If you mention the name Daniel Ikaika Ito in the journalism, surfing, design, and marketing industry in Hawaii, there’s a good chance they either talked stories with him, read a piece of his work, or supported a project he had his hands on.
I had the chance to sit down with Daniel Ikaika Ito after a training session (He’s also the newest Kū Athlete to our team). He is a journalist, surfer, coach, and entrepreneur who takes on projects he believes will benefit Native Hawaiians, and the Hawaii community at-large.
In part 1 of this interview, Daniel Ito shares his story of becoming a journalist and the first Native Hawaiian editor of a surfing publication. His manaʻo (thoughts) and ʻike (wisdom) can help you focus on what’s most important to YOU and help you find your wahi pana (sanctuary).
Strength Quote:
He ali‘i ka ‘āina, he kauā ke kanaka
The land is the chief, and man is its servant
– ‘Ōlelo No’eau
Listen to The Kū Project Podcast
Download directly to your computer as a MP3, right-click HERE, and ‘save as’
Important Links
- Contrast Magazine
- Connect with Daniel Ito – Instagram, Twitter
- Mana Magazine
- Hawaii Magazine
- Pai’ea Projects
- ‘Ahahui Haku Mo’olelo (Hawaiian Journalist Association)
- Ito’s favorite morning smoothie:
- Kale, Apple, Banana, Filtered Water, Cilantro, Olena, and juice from Half a Lime.
- The Speed of Darkness (book)
- Favorite local place to eat – Helena’s
Show Notes
- Had no interest in the new or newspapers
- The Broken Trust got him interested in keeping up with the news
- As a journalist you allow the people and the public to formulate their own opinions
- Show a balanced story to educate the general public
- Thought it was a absurd that there were no surf magazine editors who were Native Hawaii
- The ocean will always be his steward
- The ʻaina doesn’t need us, we need the ʻaina
- Became editor of Free Surf Magazine in 2005 and became the first Native Hawaii for a surf publication
- Got burnt out on writing about surfing
- Jody Willmont became a mentor of his and started working on Public Relations for The Triple Crown
- Became a surf reporter for the Star Bulletin at the time
- Contrast Magazine came about because of the upcoming music scene in Hawaii, Fitted Hawaii, Kicks Hawaii, and In4mation was all going. Lifestyle magazine for the younger crowd.
- Investing in sweat equity
- With intimidation of going in the unknown, you have to keep going because the strength will come naturally as you push forward
- “Whatever you are passionate about and whatever your passion is, you always got to be able to come back to it, and find the joy and the fun.”
- You need to channel your energy in a positive way
- Make your passion your lifestyle
- “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.” – James Allen
- Moments of inspiration are not random. Take the idea and run with it right then and there.
- Quitted school to work at Free Surf Magazine
- As Kāne it’s okay to be vulnerable
- You can get energy from the people who surround you and from the nature that surrounds you. You just have to be open to it.
- Find your own wahi pana – place of sanctuary
People & Place Mentioned
[su_pullquote align=”right” class=””]”Whatever you are passionate about and whatever your passion is, you always got to be able to come back to it, and find the joy and the fun.”
– Daniel Ikaika Ito[/su_pullquote]
- Kamehameha Surf Team
- Free Surf Magazine
- Triple Crown Surf
- Star Adverister
- In4mation
- Fitted Hawaii
- Kicks Hawaii
- Honoli’i
Mahalo from The Kū Project
The Kū Project podcast is free and takes a lot of time in putting it together and keep it going. We’d really appreciate if you could take a moment to rate and write a review for the podcast, HERE
If you have any feedback or comments about today’s show, post them below or email at info@thekuproject.com.
Mahalo for listening, Aloha, and Be Kū!
Daniel Aipa, The Founder
