Wakame 若目 - Haley Miyaoka (S1, E3)

Haley was on the path to becoming a doctor. Her parents invested a lot in her education, so internally, she experienced feelings of pressure and guilt when she felt a calling to return home and pursue a new career path. Her parents' reaction was not surprising at all-- they were fully supportive of her decision! In 2019, Haley and her partner Matt started Ahiki Acres, a small farm in Waimānalo, HI.
Haley's passion for farming is in the soil. She values hands-on work and a deep connection to the land.
Rena asks Haley about her identity and what it was like growing up. As a child, Haley identified with her Japanese heritage but did not feel strongly connected to her Hawaiian heritage. Part of her disconnection is that she does not speak pidgin, a common trait among locals.
She is enthusiastic about incorporating Hawaiian practices into her life and the farm. The farm has started to follow the Kaulana Mahina (Hawaiian moon calendar). This method provides days of rest, which contrasts our generation's "grind culture," which Haley has struggled with in the past.
Rena and Haley's conversations explore how culture can influence your connection to the land and how your growth can influence your identity.
Ahiki Acres | @ahiki_acres
Rena Gao | @wegofilm
Nov 16: Kachikan Values, An Excerpt from Haley's Farming and Cultural Journey
www.ahikiacres.com/blog/kachi...
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[@wegofilm]

Episode 3 already!! Thank you Haley for chatting with us and sharing your story 💛

[@jcchawaii]

There are so many people who relate to Haley's story!