January

Our series of ʻōpio spotlights highlight some of Hawaiʻi Island's strengths and serves to redefine success, proving that the best and brightest aren't leaving—they're contributing, leading, and making a significant impact in our communities.

Pōmaikaʻi Bautista, 24, was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi in 2019. She is currently attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo where she is majoring in Business Administration and Marketing. She is a mother and business owner of a Photography/Video company called Pōmaikaʻi Photography for the past 5 years, while also serving on the Hawaiʻi Wedding Association Board as the Director of Marketing since June 2024.

We spoke with her and are here to share her story of career success, along with her journey of creating a life for herself and ʻohana.

“I had my son in high school and got pregnant senior year. That was not a part of the plan, especially being someone who has big dreams and goals. I think that was a big ‘what am I going to do’ moment, but also there was never a question of what I was going to do, I was just going to continue living life the way I have always wanted to live it.”

“I wanted to stay here to raise my son because I love my community, and family. The community here for our children is very different from anywhere else. Even with the challenges it does bring, it is worth it. I needed to be able to take care of Leo and myself so starting a business was a way I could do that. I already had the skill of photography that I honed in on as I would take pictures at church and help my aunty with her business. I started my business right after high school with a lot of failures and learning lessons, but I continued to do it.”

“I feel like I've grown as a person because you really figure out who you are as a business owner and how you impact other people through your gifts and talents. I love the people, and serving the people of our community. Being a part of peopleʻs biggest and happiest days brings me so much happiness.”

“There are so many opportunities here to become whatever you want to become. Our community needs bright leaders and visionaries to excel our community, you donʻt have to move away. Embrace the journey because you never know where you will end up. I wasn't planning on having a child so young, or starting a business, but I decided to embrace the journey that brought me to where I am today. Growing up here, we try to make ourselves and accomplishments a lot smaller than they really are, but we should be encouraging our youth to dream and go after anything because no dream is too big.”

With nearly 45% of Native Hawaiian residing outside of the Hawaiian Archipelago, it is more important than ever to highlight the success stories of those who have stayed or returned to Hawaiʻi to dismantle the notion that the best and brightest are all leaving.

Know someone who deserves to be highlighted as one of our Best & Brightest?

Email us directly at oaka@vibranthawaii.org.