Rhea Enos Akoi

HPS met Auntie Rhea through her friend and fellow Keaukaha kupuna, Auntie Lauae Maluo Yung. Auntie knew the “late greats” of Hilo and Keaukaha we had hoped to hear more about, including Rose Kuamoo (Auntie Laue's mama), Helen Desha Beamer, “Baby Beamer” Kawohikukapulani Beamer Dahlberg (Helen Desha Beamerʻs daughter), and Rose Laanui, to name a few. Auntie Nona Beamer was present the first time we sat and talked with Auntie Rhea, and they shared some sweet moments together. Subsequent meetings with Auntie Rhea brought us back to her home, as well as to a hula rehearsal for a kupuna hula group she belonged to. Auntie’s family was among the original Keaukaha homesteaders, and she wrote a book honoring their beloved ʻāina and community, “Kuʻu Home I Keaukaha.”