Lani Bowman

Lani Bowman

Lani Bowman reflects on her childhood in Kohala and the close-knit community that shaped her upbringing. In her memories, she describes the joys of playing outdoors, the significance of local traditions like Christmas parades, and the strong bonds formed within her family and neighborhood. Lani shares memories of her parents, Betty and Pierre Bowman, and highlights their dedication to fairness and community service. She also describes her own active involvement in nurturing local institutions after the plantation’s closure. She expresses concern about rising living costs threatening the future of Kohala’s unique spirit and community values.

Interview Clips

Kohala’s Community Spirit: Then and Now

Growing Up in Rural Kohala

Christmas Parades and Cream Long Johns

The Tale of Toenail the Chicken

Shark Hunting in Kohala

Growing Up in Kohala’s Close-Knit Community

Images

The Kohala Oral History Project engages community, illuminates history, and promotes the notion that every person makes history.

© 2025 · Kohala Oral History Project