Malia Maunakea

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Born
in Hilo
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January 2021

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Malia Maunakea is a Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) writer who grew up in the rainforest of the Big Island before moving to a valley in Oʻahu in seventh grade to attend a school founded by a Hawaiian princess (Imua, Kamehameha!).

Though she relocated to Colorado for college, Hawaiʻi has remained in her heart. Now, instead of tromping through the rainforest, she roams the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two children, and rescue mutt, Peggy. 

Growing up with ADHD meant school could be tough, but Hawaiian legends managed to captivate Malia’s imagination and stuck. Her ever-whirring brain is excited to spin new tales for the next generation, especially when she can weave in a whisper of island lore.

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* Note: these are all the books on Goodreads for this author. To add more, click here.

Lei and the Fire Goddess Lei and the Invisible Island
(2 books)
by
4.12 avg rating — 918 ratings

Grenade
Malia Maunakea is currently reading
by Alan Gratz (Goodreads Author)
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Quotes by Malia Maunakea  (?)
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“Paʻa ka waha; nānā ka maka; hana ka lima,”
Malia Maunakea, Lei and the Fire Goddess

“The shark bobbed his massive head. Impressions of ancient agreements, sensations of collaboration and kuleana, of working together to take care of what needed to be taken care of, flowed over Lei. It wasn't like the shark was saying "no problem"--brushing off their thanks the way most folks do when shown earnest gratitude. More like he was reminding them that this is how it always was and always should be. They had a connection and a responsibility to one another.”
Malia Maunakea, Lei and the Invisible Island

“I have good news and ... what is the word that teachers use now instead of bad news? Opportunities?”
Malia Maunakea, Lei and the Invisible Island
tags: humor

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