Meet Your Guide

Aloha! My name is Poli Kaaihili-Jacobsen. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, and I have lived here all my life. I am the youngest of six children, and when I was born, we were living in Kuliouou Valley. Just before my sixth birthday we moved to Kaneohe on the windward side of the island, where I grew up. However, we spent many of our vacations with our grandparents who continued to live in the valley. My grandmother’s family is one of the three original families from Kuliouou Valley in recent history (1914).

I returned to the valley in 1982 and have been living here since. I have been living in my current home for 19 years now. For sixteen years, whenever I would wash dishes, I would look out of my kitchen window and see the spectacular view of the mountain. I knew that people came from all over to hike it, and I knew it was foolish of me not to appreciate what was literally right under my nose. Finally, three years ago on a beautiful morning, I decided to hike it with my dog. And hike it I did! At one time I was hiking it three times a week. I love everything about it! I love the sights, sounds, and smells. And I love the way it makes me feel!

I love my home and living in the valley with my two children and my dog. I am also surrounded by lots of extended family. My grandmother was one of nine siblings, and although some of their original property has been sold, many continue to live here in the valley. Every year we have a family reunion at a nearby neighborhood park where a few hundred people are in attendance. Hiking the mountain has helped me to love and appreciate my home even more.