Meet Our Team: 30 Seconds with Kaleopa’a Vares
Where were you born?
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.
What is your education background?
I graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, and then attended Southern Oregon University where I got my BA in Communication. I also studied and traveled abroad in Japan for a year during my time in college.
What do you love about storytelling?
I’ve always loved creating videos and telling stories. Growing up, I took every chance I could get to take a media elective from K-12. Storytelling has given me opportunities to meet hundreds of new people, has taken me to new places and horizons, all while sharing impactful and meaningful stories. I love that I am back home sharing the stories in our community.
What are you up to these days?
I dance hula for Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua, under the direction of Robert Cazimero. I also love canoe paddling. I have been paddling one-man recently out on the west side of the island. I am most happy when I’m out on the water.
Share an interesting fact about yourself
When I was growing up, my dad made my brothers and I tag along with him to many of his yard work jobs around our McCully neighborhood. For many years I hated it. Nowadays, you can find me in the back yard practicing uhau humu pōhaku (ancient technique of making stone structures without the use of concrete), figuring out how to install an irrigation system, and watering my plants!
