What happens when you spend years trying to be someone you’re not? In this episode, writer Ryan “Oki” Okinaka reflects on growing up with football, family pressure, and finding healing through art.
Follow Oki ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/simply_oki/
What happens when you grow up trying to be the son your parents hoped for, even when it doesn’t feel like who you truly are?
In this episode of Here in Hawaiʻi, writer and performer Ryan “Oki” Okinaka shares a deeply personal story about growing up playing football, feeling constant pressure to meet expectations, and how art became a way to process trauma, identity, and healing.
We revisit the park that shaped him, reflect on family, mental health, and creativity, and explore how storytelling can help us make sense of the parts of our lives we avoid talking about.
This episode also features:
– A visit to The Dragon Upstairs with comedian James Mane
– HAWAIIANHARDBALL and local baseball pride
– Dancer Ashiya Carter on bringing movement into Hawaiʻi schools
– A visit to Dave’s incredible home aquarium collection
If you love Hawaiʻi stories, local voices, and thoughtful conversations about identity, culture, and community — this one’s for you.
🫶🏼 Mahalo to our title sponsor Hawaii State Federal Credit Union for supporting our mission to uplift community with positive, inspirational content.
