Today, I want to take a moment of thanks on the eve of our 21st Anniversary, to honor
our Hānai-mother, and Dear Friend, Puna.
She has been a guiding light in our lives for over forty years, providing us with endless
aloha, guidance, insights, answers, and lifelines at difficult times.
She is our Kupuna and mentor. She emanates with and honors the Hawaiian
lineage that she was born into. She is generous, open, playful, creative, and artistic.
She is island style.
She is also a matriarch. Her native intelligence informs her kuleana which has helped
provide balanced insights to those looking for deeper answers.
Unlike the often-complicated relationships we have with our original mothers, Puna has
been the one to whom we could open our hearts, bear our souls, reveal our
weaknesses and explore difficult questions. Puna has always been there with open
arms and an open heart, offering us space to grow, and opportunities and clarity to find
a better path forward.
Because of Puna, we began the journey of Ola in 2004. With her vision, her
commitment to her culture, her family and to our future, we found our way, together, to
create the amazing gift of Ola Tropical Apothecary.
Imua Ola! Imua Hawai’i! Imua Aloha!
March 13, 2026