In this podcast episode from the ʻOhana Center of Excellence for AANHPI Behavioral Health, project manager Lilinoe Kauahikaua interviews Ipo, founder and creator of the Hawaiian Diaspora Instagram account. The conversation dives into Ipo's personal journey of reclaiming her Hawaiian identity and her experiences as a Native Hawaiian raised in the continental US after moving from Oʻahu to San Diego at a young age.

Ipo shares how her mother's efforts to keep their cultural connection alive helped shape her identity despite the challenges of living away from Hawaiʻi. She discusses the broader struggles faced by the Hawaiian diaspora (Native Hawaiians living away from their birth sands of Hawaiʻi), emphasizing the distinction between "diaspora" and "displaced" individuals. Ipo highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for discussions about identity, cultural connection, and the diverse experiences of Native Hawaiians living away from their homeland.

Throughout this conversation, Lilinoe and Ipo explore the mental health impacts of feeling disconnected from one's culture and the mixed emotions of pride and isolation experienced by many in the diaspora. They touch on the significance of representation and understanding the unique needs of different generations within the Native Hawaiian community on the continent.

The episode underscores the need for more data and storytelling to capture the varied narratives of diaspora Hawaiians and foster a sense of belonging, togetherness, and cultural pride among those living away from Hawaii. We are all one Lāhui!

About the Guest:

Ipo (She/Her) is a 1.5-generation Kanaka who was born on O’ahu and moved to the continent as a child where she struggled deeply with her identity as a Native Hawaiian. Often wrestling with racial/cultural imposter syndrome, Ipo insisted that, for varying reasons, she could never be “Hawaiian enough.” Now, Ipo is on a mission to support all diaspora Kānaka ‘Ōiwi who feel this way; she’s got high hopes for Eō, her diaspora-driven organization, with plans to provide programming for cultural connection. However, the work will all begin with a thorough research project to discover deeper insights into the Hawaiian diaspora community, and the social media account @HawaiianDiaspora on Instagram is one place to start.