Sarah Yamanaka was born and raised on the island of Oahu and is a lifelong resident of Wahiawa. She’s a veteran writer, editor and photographer covering Hawaii’s tourism industry and has seen many changes affecting the Hawaiian Islands, especially within the last few years.

Her inspiration is people, especially those who take action to create a healthy and balanced environment, whether it’s within their own circles or in the greater world. Her passion comes through sharing their stories, as well as those about Hawaiian cultural practices, protecting the islands’ natural resources and wildlife, economic sustainability and resilience, and essentially what makes Hawaii special.

Sarah’s favorite place is behind the wheel on an unfamiliar road with a roadmap (or GPS) in hand. Her favorite mode of travel is road-tripping, and she’s driven through much of the U.S., Canada and New Zealand’s North Island (South Island is still on her list). Other favorites include animals of all kinds (especially her canine fur sister, Miki, and cat, Kuro), okonomiyaki, country music, and hiking island trails, especially Ualakaa.

Sarah covers events, tourism and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.