John Hiltz is the first-ever CEO of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island, Oahu. A Notre Dame graduate, John went on to serve as a combat pilot and flew with the Blue Angels from 2012 to 2014. During his time with the Blue Angels he flew the FA-18 Hornet, the very same aircraft now on permanent display at the museum. After retiring from the Navy, John pursued and won the CEO role at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, describing it as a full circle moment. He now leads the museum's mission to remember and inspire across generations, overseeing its growth including the new Tower View Experience at the historic Ford Island Control Tower.

Kumu ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi

Kelly Boy De Lima is a renowned Hawaiian musician and the founder of the iconic band Kapena. Born and raised on the west side of Oahu, Kelly Boy's musical journey began with a deep-rooted love for surfing and the ocean, which initially influenced his path. His career in music took off after he recognized his potential in playing the ukulele and singing, leading him to pivot from surfing to music full-time. In 1984, he and his friends formed Kapena, a band that quickly rose to fame for its dynamic blend of traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary sounds, earning multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards—Hawaii's equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Over the years, Kapena evolved into a family band with Kelly Boy's children joining him, ensuring the legacy of their unique sound continues. Kelly Boy is celebrated for his contributions to Hawaiian music and culture, both as a performer and as a mentor in the musical community.

amauiblog.com

Executive Director of Waimea Valley Hi’ipaka LLC

Spencer Lee is an Oahu-based nature photographer known for capturing Hawaii’s wildlife, seabirds, landscapes, and coastal scenes. Through his photography and video work, he shares a close-up look at the islands’ natural beauty, with a strong focus on native birds and wild places across Oahu and beyond.

Star Dahl-Thurston is a creator, advocate, and community builder born and raised on the island of O'ahu. Crowned Miss Hawaii 2023, she won the talent competition at the Miss America Pageant with an original slam poem she wrote herself. She is the founder of Kahua Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering female leaders in Hawaii, and the host of the By Me podcast. Most recently, Star created Malama Map, a community resource hub built in response to the devastating storms that hit Oahu's North Shore. The platform connects people in need with verified nonprofits, skilled volunteers, and trusted resources — making it easier than ever for both locals and visitors to show up for Hawaii in a meaningful way.

Travis Smith is a Kauai-born entrepreneur, model, and waterman best known as a co-founder of The Sunrise Shack in Hawaii. Raised in Hawaii with his brothers, Travis helped grow the brand from a small beachside concept into a well-known wellness and lifestyle business rooted in surf culture, superfoods, and aloha. He has also been recognized in the surf world and has spoken publicly about Hawaiian culture, health, and island life.