In this episode of Heartbeat Narratives, we talk story with Hiʻilei, a carpenter from Lāhainā, Maui who shares how following your intuition can lead to a fulfilling career. From her early days on the basketball court to navigating a male-dominated industry, she shares how grit and discipline shaped her path in the construction industry. Hiʻilei reflects on the heartbreaking Maui wildfires of August 2023 and how she found her calling to rebuild homes across Lāhainā. She opens up about walking in her purpose, trusting in Ke Akua and managing self care while off the job. With the dream to have Lāhainā ʻohana return home, Hiʻilei's sincerity invites us into her day-to-day life and what 'rebuilding' means in all senses of the word. Mahalo nui for listening.
Episode Highlights
00:00 Welina mai Hiʻilei
01:43 Lāhainā
02:13 Becoming a carpenter
04:40 Basketball laid the foundation for hard work, grit, resilience
06:47 Maui wildfires in August 2023
08:13 Changing the narrative for herself
09:52 Walking in purpose: rebuilding homes for Lāhainā ʻohana
12:58 Giving aloha no matter what - loving on others is key
13:55 Dreams for the future of Lāhainā - getting families home
15:24 Focusing and self care
17:35 What makes your heart beat?
18:38 Advice for those interested in carpentry and construction
20:32 Working in a male dominated industry, balancing the inner feminine and masculine
21:57 Build merit: how to hold your own on job sites
25:15 Tools and tricks 101
26:53 On the horizon
Photo credit: Hiʻilei
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Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
