Photos and interviews of Native Hawaiians and Hawai'i locals in the places they call home, documenting how the struggles of housing costs in Hawai'i affect their ability to stay or return home.
Currently being published on Housing Hawai'i's Future's Instagram page.
Hunter in Wailuku
Gigi in Wailuku Heights Park
Shyla at Poli Poli in Kula
Maka in Makawao
Pokai at Kulamalu Center in Pukalani
Carlo in Kahului Park
Eliana in Makawao Town
Jazmyne in Kahului
Renante in Kihei
Wilson in Kahului, Mom's nail salon
Bailey in Wailuku
Dexter in Kahului
Jan in Kahului
Jordyn in Iao Valley
Kamryn at her backyard in Kahului
Kate in Kahului
Josh in Kahului Park
Tiara in Wailuku Park
Samantha at Poli Poli in Kula
Bailey's Story
For much of my life I struggled with the idea of “home,” more specifically “belonging.” Although I was born and raised on Maui (specifically Waiehu/Wailuku), I always felt out of place growing up here; I was never interested in surfing, even going to the beach, I just wanted to stay home all day and draw while listening to post-punk bands.
By the time I was a high school senior I couldn’t wait to leave, and to be honest, I never thought I would come back. While living in Japan, I felt like I had finally found the feeling of home, of belonging.
But when the honeymoon phase of living abroad ended, that anxious feeling of not belonging came back. I returned to Maui to figure things out and be around my family, my support system. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to get to know my parents as an adult and make new relationships with people where we want to see each other succeed… I’ve even shaken off the insecurity of not being “Hawaiian enough” by finding inspiration in my culture through illustration.
I’m completely aware that even having a future plan for housing on Maui is a privilege; especially considering the tragic fires that impacted Lāhainā and Kula communities. Currently, I have a very understanding landlord who gives me a great rate (my mother!). But all jokes aside, my younger sister and I are extremely fortunate to have a housing plan secured thanks entirely to our parents. Sometimes I compare myself to friends who own property, especially after living abroad independently.
I am grateful and happy to be sitting here…writing this response, under a roof in a simple, but beautiful home that has been in my family for a few generations.
With the loss of Lāhainā, I am extremely concerned about the housing crisis; too many individuals have nowhere to go and no plan in place; I can’t imagine the instability and fear living in their minds and hearts. Those of us who are rooted here have a deeper perspective and devotion to this place; we directly make up the core of Maui and its unique cultural identity.” - Bailey Onaga
By the time I was a high school senior I couldn’t wait to leave, and to be honest, I never thought I would come back. While living in Japan, I felt like I had finally found the feeling of home, of belonging.
But when the honeymoon phase of living abroad ended, that anxious feeling of not belonging came back. I returned to Maui to figure things out and be around my family, my support system. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to get to know my parents as an adult and make new relationships with people where we want to see each other succeed… I’ve even shaken off the insecurity of not being “Hawaiian enough” by finding inspiration in my culture through illustration.
I’m completely aware that even having a future plan for housing on Maui is a privilege; especially considering the tragic fires that impacted Lāhainā and Kula communities. Currently, I have a very understanding landlord who gives me a great rate (my mother!). But all jokes aside, my younger sister and I are extremely fortunate to have a housing plan secured thanks entirely to our parents. Sometimes I compare myself to friends who own property, especially after living abroad independently.
I am grateful and happy to be sitting here…writing this response, under a roof in a simple, but beautiful home that has been in my family for a few generations.
With the loss of Lāhainā, I am extremely concerned about the housing crisis; too many individuals have nowhere to go and no plan in place; I can’t imagine the instability and fear living in their minds and hearts. Those of us who are rooted here have a deeper perspective and devotion to this place; we directly make up the core of Maui and its unique cultural identity.” - Bailey Onaga
Read more stories at @hawaiisfuture on Instagram
