Meet R2H’s newest teammate! Nāpua Hū‘eu

May 24, 2012

Head of Community Relations for R2H: Nāpua Hū‘eu

Nāpua was born and raised on Maui and is coming on board to help us with Community Relations for R2H and to build awareness for the Road to Hāna CD Guide. We recently sat down to talk story with Nāpua about her life experience, why she believes in our product, and how she became a part of the R2H team. Here’s a part of our conversation we’d like to share with you!

You are from Maui and grew up on the Road to Hāna?!

I actually grew up in the taro patches of Ke‘anae, and this has been my home forever. {Ke’anae is halfway to Hana, on track 14 of our Road to Hāna CD}

What is the one thing you love most about growing up on the Road to Hāna?

The rural upbringing has blessed me with strong environmental awareness; therefore, I strive to promote everything local to support a healthy and sustainable island economy.

Give us a quick overview of your life — from growing up in the taro patches all the way to where you are today.

Well, I attended the Pūnana Leo preschool and graduated from Mauiʻs Hawaiian language immersion program. I studied business and art on the big island of Hawai‘i, then anthropology and archaeology in Philadelphia. When I returned from college, I worked full time for my grandmother at Ke‘anae Landing Fruit Stand. Although I did everything from making shave ice to marketing, my primary focus was baking the best banana bread for the Road to Hāna visitors and maintaining Aunty Sandyʻs long standing reputation of Aloha.

In an effort to further support locally made goods, I established an online marketplace {http://thebakeryboutiquehawaii.com} and a social media presence {twitter handle: @theBBHI} to help craft and culinary artists gain exposure. I highlight handmade specialties found throughout the islands, giving extra notice of the latest with my family businesses.

We actually met you on Twitter! Why did you fall in love with the R2H brand? And why did you want to work with our team?

Over the past year I connected with @theR2H via twitter, sharing and reciprocating information and pictures in reference to east Maui. When approached by Paul {twitter handle: @pmfarmer} about joining the team, I couldn’t resist the offer. My passion for the east side of Maui is unmatched and I had been an admirer of R2H since my first encounter with the product. I am energized with this opportunity and how it affords me to continue to share the place I love. My intention is to represent R2H in the community and share adventure with anyone headed my way.

In your own words, why should someone purchase the R2H CD Guide?

The R2H CD guide points out the most significant spots along The Road to Hāna, and the soundtrack is perfect for your journey through the rainforest! Plus, the historical information and proper Hawaiian pronunciation of each place name is helpful to both new and veteran Hāna Highway adventurers.

From Paul Farmer, the owner of R2H and creator of the Road to Hāna CD guide

We are so excited to have someone who was born and raised on Maui to come on board and help us build awareness about the Road to Hana CD guide. Nāpua loves R2H, and having her support on social media this past year has been so encouraging. She is super sharp and it means the world to us to now have her as a part of our team!

Listen to free samples of the R2H CD Guide for the Road to Hāna, and to find out more about adventure and romance on Maui at theR2H.com.

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