Kristiana Kahakauwila

About the Author

Kristiana Kahakauwila is a celebrated Hawaiian author whose writing vividly captures the complexities of island life, blending cultural heritage with contemporary narratives. Born and raised in Hawaii, she draws from her Native Hawaiian and Filipino roots to explore themes of identity, displacement, and the natural world in her prose. Her debut collection, This Is Paradise: Stories, earned critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of paradise's underbelly, addressing issues like colonialism, environmental change, and personal resilience through interconnected tales set against Hawaii's stunning yet fraught landscapes. Kahakauwila's work has appeared in prestigious outlets such as The New York Times and Granta, and she holds an MFA from the University of Oregon. A professor of creative writing, she continues to inspire readers with her authentic voice and unflinching gaze on the Pacific's enduring spirit.