Aloha mai kākou — and welcome back to the Pilina Podcast, where connection is everything.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Skyler Kamaka — former Miss Hawai‘i 2012, commercial pilot for Hawaiian Airlines, and an embodiment of modern Hawaiian wāhine strength.

From the crown to the cockpit, Skyler’s story is a testament to kuleana, resilience, and dreaming boldly. We talk story about growing up in Hawai‘i, the values that shaped her, representing our islands on national stages, and her journey to becoming one of the few Native Hawaiian women in aviation today.

🔥 In this episode:
The discipline, spirit, and grounding it takes to prepare for both hula and flight

Navigating cultural identity, legacy, and modern womanhood

And a few laughs with our rapid-fire “What’s the Scoops?” segment 🌺✈️👑

Skyler is more than a pilot — she’s a cultural carrier, a leader, and a source of inspiration to wāhine everywhere.

If this episode moved you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

A huge Mahalo to our presenting sponsors Power for the People & Aloha Mortuary! Their support helps us bring the stories of Hawai'i to you!

🔔 Subscribe to the Pilina Podcast on YouTube: @pilinapodcast
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @pilinapodcast

Support the show

Aloha & Welcome to the Pilina Podcast — where connection is everything.

In this powerful sit-down, we’re joined by James "Jimbo" La Pierre, lead vocalist of Hawaiʻi’s iconic roots reggae band, Ooklah the Moc. Known for his rich voice and deep mana, Jimbo shares more than music — he shares truth, legacy, and lived experience.

From his humble roots in Pālolo to the global stage, Jimbo opens up about:

The early days of Ooklah

His evolution as a musician and cultural practitioner

The inspirations that have guided him

And the legacy of aloha he hopes to leave behind

We talk story about life’s pivotal moments, healing through lomi lomi, and the courage it takes to let go of old versions of ourselves. Plus, don’t miss our fun segment “What’s the Scoops?” where Jimbo answers rapid-fire questions — like what plate lunch best describes his voice 🤙

Mahalo nui for watching. If this conversation moved you, please like, subscribe, and share — and leave us a comment about what pilina means to you.

A huge Mahalo to our Sponsors Power for the People & Aloha Mortuary! Without their support this would not be possible!

🎙️ Listen to the full podcast:
Spotify | Apple | Amazon | or wherever you get your podcasts
🔗 pilinapodcast.com

📱 Follow us on Instagram: @pilinapodcast

Support the show