05/29/2026
Nestled beneath the Koʻolau mountains, Nuʻuanu Valley carries deep roots in Hawaiian history and culture. Long before it became known for its lush rainforests and misty views, Nuʻuanu was one of Oʻahu’s thriving agricultural valleys, nourished by flowing streams and loʻi kalo. It’s also tied to pivotal moments in Hawaiian history, including the Battle of Nuʻuanu, where Kamehameha I fought to unify the islands.
The mele “ʻAlekoki” beautifully weaves romance and place together, referencing the famed ʻAlekoki pool in Nuʻuanu Valley — a place remembered in Hawaiian stories and songs for its beauty, hidden waters, and intimate gatherings. Like many Hawaiian mele, it reflects the deep connection between the land and the stories carried through music.
For this mother + daughter session, it felt especially meaningful to photograph in a place layered with aloha, memory, and ʻike kupuna — where the land itself tells stories through rain, wind, and song. 🌿
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