My father, Keoki, was raised by his maternal parents, Mary Kai‘awe Manuia Pe‘a and John Lonomakahainua Pe‘a Sr. He was a pioneer in the hospitality and healing industry, becoming the first licensed massage therapist hired at the Mauna Lani Hotel when it opened in 1983. Throughout his career, he was a tireless advocate for Lomi Lomi, ensuring traditional Hawaiian healing had a place in the modern resort setting. He was inspired and encouraged by his brother John, who shared the wisdom that would eventually shape my father’s professional path.

My Uncle Una was raised by his maternal grandparents, Lily Kekino Kamauoha Manuia and John Kalei Manuia. He was a legendary figure in the field, serving as the first licensed massage therapist and owner of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel massage parlor starting in 1965. Beyond his professional practice, he was the Grand Master and founder of Pa‘ola Science, the specialized art of “Quick Healing.” His contributions laid the foundation for the standards of massage in Hawai‘i today.

The legacy of protection and healing in my family reaches back to the Hawaiian Monarchy. My grand uncle Willie was the son of Lily Kekino Kamauoha and John Kalei Manuia. His father was a Master of Lua and a personal bodyguard for Queen Lili‘uokalani, a role requiring immense discipline and knowledge of the body. Uncle Willie carried that ancestral wisdom throughout his life, serving the community with humility and obtaining his license as a massage therapist in his later years to continue his mission of service.

Born in Hilo and raised on the Hawaiian Homestead of Pana‘ewa, my life has always been anchored by my family, my culture, and my faith. I am the son of Janice Luana Kuali‘i Pe‘a and George Leon ‘Iolani Pe‘a.

As a child, I’ll admit I resisted the practice of massage; to me, it was work that took away from my playtime. Looking back as an adult, however, I recognize the profound gift of my father’s discipline. He was meticulously grooming and preparing me for my eventual calling. Today, I carry that legacy forward as the founder and owner of NIU Hawai‘i, a practice I have proudly led for 13 years.

My father, Keoki, was raised by his maternal parents, Mary Kai‘awe Manuia Pe‘a and John Lonomakahainua Pe‘a Sr. He was a pioneer in the hospitality and healing industry, becoming the first licensed massage therapist hired at the Mauna Lani Hotel when it opened in 1983. Throughout his career, he was a tireless advocate for Lomi Lomi, ensuring traditional Hawaiian healing had a place in the modern resort setting. He was inspired and encouraged by his brother John, who shared the wisdom that would eventually shape my father’s professional path.

My Uncle Una was raised by his maternal grandparents, Lily Kekino Kamauoha Manuia and John Kalei Manuia. He was a legendary figure in the field, serving as the first licensed massage therapist and owner of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel massage parlor starting in 1965. Beyond his professional practice, he was the Grand Master and founder of Pa‘ola Science, the specialized art of “Quick Healing.” His contributions laid the foundation for the standards of massage in Hawai‘i today.

The legacy of protection and healing in my family reaches back to the Hawaiian Monarchy. My grand uncle Willie was the son of Lily Kekino Kamauoha and John Kalei Manuia. His father was a Master of Lua and a personal bodyguard for Queen Lili‘uokalani, a role requiring immense discipline and knowledge of the body. Uncle Willie carried that ancestral wisdom throughout his life, serving the community with humility and obtaining his license as a massage therapist in his later years to continue his mission of service.