Taira’s Tide: Listen to the Sea- “Hoʻolohe i ke kai”
In Hawaiʻi, the ocean isn’t just a thing to look at, it is part of our family. The ocean feeds us, shapes who we are, and carries the stories of everyone who came before us. Growing up here means you’ve got salt in your hair, sand on your feet, and a deep-down understanding that the sea is alive. You learn to respect it. You learn to listen.
Taira’s Tide: Listen to the Sea is a short video series following Big-Island born Taira Aoki as she dives into the water, not just as a host but as someone rooted in these islands and striving to expand her knowledge. Through interviews with kūpuna, fishermen, cultural practitioners, scientists, and community leaders, she digs into what it really means to be kahu, a steward, especially now when our ocean needs us more than ever.
Produced by Shark Stewards, this series steers clear of the usual shark stories and instead focuses on understanding and connections with wildlife, like the whales, the dolphin and the shark. In Hawaiʻi, sharks aren’t the villains; they are protectors and ancestors who play a vital role in keeping the ocean balanced. Taira’s Tide celebrates that viewpoint, blending traditional wisdom with modern marine science.
This series is about sitting down with teachers, listening closely, asking questions, and reconnecting. It’s about kuleana and the quiet yet powerful ways people across the islands care for their reefs, their fisheries, their future and generations to come. It is also about ohana, a family connection that goes deeper than close bloodlines; it is our connection to the ocean and our enduring interconnectedness with the sea.
At its core, Taira’s Tide is a journey of connection and learning. It reminds us that when we take a moment to truly listen to the sea, it shows us how to protect it, and in turn, how to protect ourselves and our resources.