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by Joni Keamoai (Author)
When I Was a Keiki / I Tuʻu Wa ʻOpio is a heartfelt remembrance of childhood, ʻohana, and life rooted in place.
Through gentle storytelling and vivid memories, Joni Keamoai invites readers into her early years growing up on the island of Kauaʻi-raised in a sugar plantation camp, surrounded by family, friends, and the simple joys of island life. From playing in muddy water and swimming in ditches to camping on white, sandy beaches and spending unforgettable summers on Niʻihau, these stories capture a time filled with laughter, love, and deep connection.
Told in both ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English, this book honors culture, language, and the generations who shaped a childhood rich in meaning. It is a tribute to parents, siblings, extended ʻohana, and memories that continue to live on.
When I Was a Keiki is more than a story-it is a celebration of growing up local, the strength of family bonds, and the beauty of remembering where you came from.
Perfect for families, classrooms, and anyone who treasures island stories passed from heart to heart.
