Photo Credit: Matthew DeVries (pexels.com) – Nene Goose

Building community from afar is both a challenge and a calling for many in the Pasifika diaspora—including myself. When I left Hawai‘i for Texas a few years ago, I knew I’d be trading the view of the Ko‘olau range from my kitchen window and ocean breezes for a new landscape. However, I didn’t realize just how much I would miss the feeling of home. Like so many in the Pasifika diaspora, I searched for ways to stay connected—to the islands, to our stories, to my culture, and to a sense of belonging that only comes from community. Building community from afar quickly became not just a personal need, but a calling for myself and my ‘ohana.

Honoring Pasifika Roots

At the heart of Nalu Books is my commitment to Hawai‘i and the wider Pasifika community. The stories, languages, and traditions of our islands are powerful tools for connection and healing, especially for those of us living far from home. I wanted to create a space where our keiki (children), ‘ohana (families), and kumu (educators) could find literature that reflects our lived experiences, our histories, and our hopes for the future.

Honoring Asian Heritage

While my Hawai‘i and Pasifika cultures are at the forefront of Nalu Books, my Asian heritage is also a vital part of who I am. I believe our stories are stronger when told together. That’s why Nalu Books is dedicated to uplifting literature and resources by Asian authors as well. By weaving these voices into our collection, I hope to honor the complexity and richness of our shared histories. In this way, all parts of my identity—and the identities of so many others—are seen and celebrated.

Challenging Misconceptions and Seeking Truth

One of my core hopes for Nalu Books is to help others move beyond stereotypes and misconceptions that have shaped how Pasifika peoples—and other BIPOC and queer communities—are seen and taught. Too often, educational systems and mainstream stories focus on what we lack or reinforce old myths. Instead, I want to highlight the strengths, diversity, and lived experiences of our communities. Through our curated selection of own-voices literature and resources, I encourage readers and educators to seek out authentic perspectives. It is important to question what they have been taught, or not taught, and to value real stories from our region and our people. This commitment extends to other BIPOC and queer stories as well.

Creating a Home for the Diaspora

Through Nalu Books, building community from afar becomes possible for families who want to stay connected to their roots. It is not always easy, but literature serves as a bridge. I want to make it easier for families like mine—those living in the diaspora, those homeschooling, and those seeking secular, inclusive resources—to feel seen and supported. Our blog tackles misconceptions about Hawai‘i, explores the real stories of our people, and spotlights creators who are telling the truth about our region. The same is true for other BIPOC and queer stories. My goal is to share substantive resources—such as links to influencers, small businesses, and cultural practitioners—with the world and to support our communities.

Building Community from Afar Through Story

Nalu Books is more than an online bookstore; it’s a gathering place for anyone yearning for connection to Hawai’i, the rest of the Pacific Islands, Asia, and beyond. Here, you’ll find:

• Books by Pasifika, Asian, BIPOC, and queer authors
• Secular homeschool resources rooted in our cultures
• Honest discussions about diaspora, identity, and belonging

Moving Forward Together

My hope is that by building community from afar, we can challenge stereotypes and foster understanding. Nalu Books helps you feel closer to home—wherever you are—and gives you the resources and stories you need to keep your culture alive, challenge old stereotypes, and seek out truth from those with lived experience.

Mahalo nui loa for being part of this journey. Together, we can build community from afar, one story at a time.