The 'Aina That Is Lahaina

by Anik Cockroft, Tiara Kobayashi-Bautista (Illustrator)

Overview

"This is Lāhainā. The 'āina.
The story of fire, wind, sea.

And the story ahead yet unwritten,
These, the words of the Banyan Tree."

Root down to rise up in Aloha alongside the illustrious Banyan Tree of Lāhainā, Maui. The narrator and anchoring element of the story, join the Banyan Tree's invitation to "Be The Branches." Learn how you can be a part of the ho'ōla or healing ahead. Through grief and new growth, just as the Banyan Tree is showing the world, we can choose to stand together.

Surf the landscape of Lāhainā and the Front Street view of the powerful past within the Kingdom of Hawai'i, to its internationally recognized landmark of leafy Aloha on its vibrant harbor. As the vibes of anguish were felt around the world in the aftermath of the devastating wildfire on August 8th, 2023, the Banyan tree shed its leaves in tears. In the fresh wounds along the nonlinear path forward, the treasured beacon of Lāhainā slowly began to show signs of life and new leaves.

Through tragedy, Lāhainā rose on the back of selfless shakas and undeniable acts of Aloha illustrating the strength of the Maui commUNITY. Deeply rooted Hawaiian cultural values passed down through ancestral lines and woven into its core identity were on full display, and continue to sustain and serve alongside the Banyan Tree.

As you immerse yourself in the emotions and exhilarating exploration of Lāhainā's captivating history, its charismatic and colorful backdrop for the cherished memories of millions, to its unfathomable fire scorched streets and surroundings post wildfire- you will embrace the spirit of kōkua (extending help) in our collective quest to see Lāhainā into its new glory.

Just as the surfing commUNITY paddled out into the waves to honor Lāhainā, you can choose to paddle through these pages from wherever you are here or beyond the reef with the same sense of commitment to honor and reverently contribute to Lāhainā's regrowth.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798990222632
Publisher:	Embrace Your Mana, LLC
Publication date:	08/12/2024
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	533,559
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.17(d)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Aloha, I’m Dr. Nini (also surfs a smile to Anik)! Once upon drifting off to sleep vibes with my son Cruz, this story came pouring out of my outstretched shakas to honor the nonlinear path of ho‘ola (healing) for Lahaina ahead.

Paddling out into the messy magical waves with my husband JD and as a Mama to our 3 wild groms drenches my days in delightful purpose and colorful chaos. The liquid landscape of our lives is decorated with sandy footprints, spills and the soaked fulfillment of splashing in the colors of sunset. An abundance of fluffy Aloha in fascinating supply floats around our Hale and hearts courtesy of our husky Kai Kai.

The stories of hope I’ve lived from behind my stethoscope as a Pediatrician to brilliant keiki teachers has illuminated a coming home to my creative path. In the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfire tragedy, I had the privilege to celebrate Hapai (expectant) Mamas and their miracles of Aloha thriving within, even as uncertainty for the future grew.

Sailing with Maui’s seasonal neighbors in the kohola (humpback whales) splashing and flashing their tail shakas (flukes) is a nature-infused dopamine dose that drips into my soul long after returning to land. Mamas and babies swim together in a captivating choreographed underwater ballet, suspended in the unbreakable bond of ‘ohana that drenches the shores and streets of Lahaina beyond.

Winding down many an epic beach day driving along Front Street, the glistening waters makai and the West Maui mountains mauka, we always chose the long way home. Stoke level on high, we savored lingering a little longer to bask in the sun’s last golden rays with a rainbow shave ice in hand.

In fluid Aloha, I surrendered to the hula mele (song) and inner oli (chant) that swelled from within to honor our Island home, Maui. The ‘Aina That Is Lahaina is offered as a literary ti leaf lei placed upon Lahaina. Harvested with flowers from the ‘aina and the flow of renewal from the resilient roots of the Banyan Tree, these words are woven with reverent kuleana (responsibility) and designed alongside Tiara’s exquisite artistry for Lahaina’s vibrancy that will surge again.