Dr Ronald M Yamaoka

About the Author

Dr. Ronald M. Yamaoka is a distinguished historian and author whose work illuminates the profound human experiences amid natural disasters and cultural upheavals. With a PhD in Pacific History from the University of Hawaii, he has dedicated his career to chronicling the resilience of communities in the face of adversity, drawing from extensive archival research and personal interviews with survivors. His writing bridges academic rigor with compelling narrative, making complex historical events accessible and emotionally resonant for a broad audience. In his acclaimed book, Swept Away, Brought Back: The Story of Two Survivors of the 1946 Tsunami, Yamaoka vividly recounts the harrowing tales of endurance during one of the most devastating events in modern Hawaiian history, highlighting themes of loss, survival, and renewal. Beyond academia, he lectures internationally on disaster preparedness and cultural preservation, inspiring readers to appreciate the unyielding spirit of humanity.