Lipoa Rae Kahaleuahi

"It began with the name my father gave, mooring me forever in the sea. But that sea stretches far and wide, so I set out in exploration of thee."

My father named me after the limu lipoa, a type of seaweed that grows in the shores of our home of Hana, Maui, Hawai'i. He always told me that if I wasn't feeling well, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, that like my namesake, I needed to find my way back to the sea.

This knowledge and understand has been a guiding principal in my life, throughout my travels, and a part of every major decision I've made. At which college should I study? The one that will allow me to learn and surf at the same time. Dealing with crippling heartbreak, problems at home, or issues of low self-esteem? Hold my breath for as long as I can to feel the ocean's embrace, feel her pulse against mine, and feel empowered once again. Experiencing the culture shock of a new place, a different culture, that only adds to it's beauty and grace? Find my way to the ocean, even if only for a glimpse, and feel the immediate calming of my nerves.

Limu Lipoa, the blog, is an exploration, an experiment, an intimate travel journal that pulls from the many layers this name provides. In it you will find "Glimpses From Afar," a series that captures snapshots in time as my best friend Lily and I embark on the adventure of our dreams throughout Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and beyond with an indefinite timeline. You will discover personal stories as I unearth past journal entries of my travels and time living and working in New Zealand. You will be able to read poems that may speak on a variety of topics, from teaching to traveling, loving to letting go, learning to living, enjoying to sharing. In the end though, you will find it all leads back to the sea.

Yet through Limu Lipoa, the blog, I would also hope to acknowledge the many layers in each of us - our connections, our inspirations, our stories. There is always so much more than meets the eye. So as I embark on this journey, I'd hope you'd come along. You know where to find me ;)

Aloha,

Lipoa

P.S. In case you do arrive to the sea and I'm not there, please contact me at [email protected] :) To keep in touch, offer feedback, or even for a story you would like to share or a topic you'd like me to cover, I'm here. Mahalo nui <3