Who we are

Living Local was created to share the everyday ways of life in Hawai‘i that you don’t always see in travel guides.

We focus on the small things that matter, how to move through spaces with awareness, how to show respect, and how to understand the rhythm of local life. Not as rules, but as guidance rooted in lived experience.

While we don’t speak for everyone here, our goal is to offer a basic understanding of local culture, helping you integrate more naturally and enjoy your time in Hawai‘i.

About Leona Rocha Wilson

Leona Rocha Wilson was born and raised in Hāmākua Poko, Pāʻia on Maui during plantation days, where her upbringing was shaped by family, community, and the everyday values of island life.

Following her military service and time living in New York while studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology, she went on to establish her own sewing business and develop the Fashion Ruler, combining creativity with practical design.

After living in New York and returning home to Hawai‘i, she experienced the contrast between both worlds, which inspired her to share those differences and offer insight into what everyday local life here is really like.