Talk Story with Aunty Piilani

In this episode, Aunty Piilani shares a series of close calls from her catering days in Eaton Rapids. With the help (and occasional chaos) of her employees, she recounts a handful of unforgettable situations that could have ended in disaster, but didn’t, thanks to a little quick thinking, a lot of experience, and what she likes to call her magic.It’s a glimpse behind the scenes of events that guests thought were seamless… and the reality that was anything but. You'll have to listen to find out, but let's just say that we almost called this one Don't Let Jeff Drive.

In this episode, Aunty Piilani begins her Michigan chapter, starting in Lansing and adjusting to a completely different life, climate and pace before eventually making her way to Eaton Rapids. But once she gets into the kitchen, things pick up. We hear about the early days of Piilani’s Restaurant and Catering, her high standards for her staff, and the reputation she was determined to build — even if it meant she felt like she was "Lady Gordon Ramsay.” And yes, this is the episode featuring the infamous pineapple incident. It’s a quiet start with flashes of the fire to come in our next episode.

In this episode, Aunty Piilani tells the story of meeting Paul, the man who would become her fourth and final husband. What begins as a chance encounter while she’s working as a tour guide quickly turns into something much bigger. Swept up by persistence, charm, and more than a little sparkle, she makes a series of fast, life-changing decisions. Within weeks, loose ends are tied, bags are packed, and she leaves Hawaiʻi for Michigan, beginning a chapter that would last more than three decades. It’s a story of momentum, risk, and the moments that quietly reroute an entire life — with a few surprises best left uncovered by listening.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault, adult themes, and crime. Listener discretion is advised. In The Waikīkī Years, Part 2, Aunty Piilani concludes a turbulent chapter marked by loss, survival, and hard lessons. She reflects on the aftermath of a failed marriage, dangerous relationships, and experiences she never expected to face. Along the way, she recalls pieces of Waikīkī nightlife from the era, including drag performers and Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand. For privacy, the name of one individual has been intentionally replaced with a duck quack.

In this Christmas episode, Aunty Piilani shares memories of the holidays in Keaukaha, from the traditions of her childhood to the years when she was raising her own family. She reflects on how Christmas has changed over time and what the season means to her now. Along the way, she sings a few beloved Christmas songs and sends heartfelt holiday greetings to friends and family, making this episode a fun and nostalgic pause in the story.

⚠️ Content NoteThis episode includes adult subject matter related to Honolulu’s 1970s nightlife, including discussion of an adult bookstore, sex work, and crime. Listener discretion is advised.In this first half of the Waikīkī years, Aunty Piilani remembers her time running a small hot-dog stand that just happened to sit beside an adult bookstore on Kuhio Avenue—right in the middle of the wild Waikīkī nightlife of the 1970s. The stand drew every kind of customer imaginable, each with a story of their own. Amid the chaos, she also meets her third husband, whose promise of opal mines turns out to be far from shiny. With plenty of laughter, surprises, and street-corner wisdom, this episode captures the energy of a city—and a life—always in motion.

⚠️ Content note: This episode contains discussion of Hawaiian spiritual practices, including kahuna and spirits.In this special Halloween episode, Aunty Piilani shares stories of the unseen—her encounters with kahuna who helped lift curses, calm spirits, and make sense of her lifelong gift of sight. She also recalls a childhood prank gone wrong, when she and her friends blamed their mischief on the “boogeyman.” A mix of mystery, laughter, and island spirituality, this episode offers a glimpse into the supernatural side of growing up in Hawaiʻi.

In Part 2 of the Olaʻa Bakery story, Aunty Piilani serves up more history and hilarity. She recalls how the Shipman family’s influence helped change Olaʻa’s name to Keaʻau. Then, legend or fact? From Mr. Sonoda, she shares how the Hilo Macaroni Company got its famous saloon pilot cracker recipe and how those cracker tins found new life as kulolo pans. There’s also a laugh-out-loud moment when childhood Kye breaks a bad mood with an embarrassing confession, memories of hippies flocking for her bread pudding, and one unintentional but very audible guest star: Kady the dog, who pants through the whole episode. E kala mai, listeners!

In this episode, Aunty Piilani shares how she was taken under the wing of Mr. and Mrs. Kazuyoshi Sonoda, who passed on their recipes, skills, and bakery know-how at the Olaʻa Bakery in Keaʻau, Big Island. From learning to handle commercial mixers to producing hundreds of the bakery’s famous manju, this was a year filled with both hard work and lasting memories. Along the way, her children pitched in—sometimes with comic disasters, like overflowing cupcake batter and run-ins with an unforgiving mixer paddle, and as the chapter closed, a surprising discovery is revealed as a hidden piece of the bakery’s history.

From a disastrous family partnership to star-studded nights on Hilo’s Banyan Drive, this episode follows Aunty Piilani through her first restaurant, Keoni’s, and into the world of hotel row dining and entertainment. Along the way, she brushes shoulders with Hawaiian greats like Danny Kaleikini, Don Ho, and Peter Moon, while navigating the hard truths of business partnerships and marriage. The story includes plenty of laughs, a dose of chaos, and reflections on the lessons learned when both love and business fall apart.

In this episode, Piilani returns to the Big Island, where bartending at the Naniloa Hotel and baking cakes in the KHBC kitchen set the stage for a bold leap into catering. She shares the story of her first big event—a building dedication for Senator Elroy Osorio—pulled off with the help (and exhaustion) of aunts, sisters, and friends. Along the way, she fills in a portrait of her grandmother, Julia Stevens, a remarkable woman with 17 siblings, 11 children of her own, and five husbands, each lost to the rugged ranch life of Hawaii.

From waiting tables in Waikīkī to serving at Tiki Tops restaurant and eventually launching her own lunchwagon, this episode traces the early days of Aunty Piilani’s food service career. With the help of Honey and Pappy Ho — and their son Don Ho, who was just on the rise — she found her footing at the legendary Honey’s Tavern in Kaneohe. She shares stories of first-day disasters (sorry, Aunty Ginny!) and a sweet rendition of the “Taro Patch Song” and closes with advice for would-be restauranteurs from the lessons she learned.

In this episode, Aunty Piilani brings closure to the stories of Jimmy and Phillip—and the circumstances that led to her marriage to Kenneth Haina. It was a union shaped by family pressure, misplaced hopes, and withheld truths, including love letters that never reached her. Though the marriage didn’t last, and the divorce brought its own heartbreak, Aunty Piilani reflects on that time with honesty and acceptance. This is a story about youthful naiveté, quiet resilience, and learning what love is—and isn’t.

In Part Two of High School Heartbreaker, Aunty Piilani looks back on what happened to her engagement to James Higashita, a few other teenage romances, and some creative sneaking out of the house. There’s also a bathing suit mishap, and a hint of how her dream of becoming the perfect 1950s housewife eventually met real life.

In this first half of our look at her high school years, Aunty Piilani shares a few memories of daily life at Hilo High—her least favorite classes, her time as a cheerleader, and the steady stream of suitors who didn’t quite make the cut (often for some hilarious reasons). Next episode, we’ll pick up with her final high school romances and escapades.

In this episode, we start by talking about Uncle Abe’s role in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, then touch on new details about Uncle Herbert’s time in the Korean War. From there, we look at Aunty Piilani's father, Frank Rupert, and his time as a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II. But, as often happens, the conversation wandered into other stories — from how he fell in love with a Red Cross nurse, to how both he and Aunty's mother went on to build very different lives after the war. It’s a bit of history, a bit of family drama, and another chapter in her story.

To celebrate our tenth episode, we’re sharing some outtakes—false starts, unexpected tangents, and a lot of laughter. And no, we weren’t drinking. We just get like this sometimes. Thanks for being with us. We’ll be back next time with more stories.

On this Memorial Day, my mom shares what she remembers about World War II and the relatives who answered the call to serve. Though she was very young, Aunty Piilani recalls foxholes in the yard, the arrival of Spam, and the powerful feeling of patriotism that shaped her view of the U.S. military. She reflects on family members who served—especially Uncle Jimmy, who gave up a promising Olympic swimming future, and Uncle Herbert, wounded in the Korean War. And yes, of course there’s singing—each military branch gets its anthem, delivered Aunty Piilani-style.

In this episode, Aunty Piilani looks back on her time in the Civil Air Patrol as a teenager in the 1950s. She shares what she learned, how she earned a spot at a national encampment at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, and how she unexpectedly found herself starring in a military training film—complete with Hollywood treatment. Along the way, she recalls a side trip to ride the roller coaster at Coney Island and reflects on a dream she had about her son becoming an Air Force pilot… a dream that eventually came true.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes personal accounts of natural disasters and loss.In part two of our tsunami story, Aunty Piilani continues her reflections—this time touching on the 1960 Hilo tsunami and the lives, both human and otherwise, lost in its wake. She remembers the long road to recovery, from clean-up efforts to finding a sense of normalcy again. Along the way, she shares how these two tidal waves shaped her sense of safety, community, and memory—including a surprising story about Suki the monkey, who left as memorable a mark as any storm. This episode is about loss, resilience, and the moments that stay with us long after the water recedes.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes personal recollections of a natural disaster and may be distressing to some listeners.In this first part of a two-parter, my mom shares her memories of the 1946 Hilo tsunami—an event that shaped her childhood. It’s a subdued episode, as we take a look at what happened in the days leading up to and following the disaster. While it’s a departure from the lighthearted episodes we’re used to, this story is also a part of her history, so we are capturing and sharing it here. In Part 2, next week’s episode, we’ll hear more about the event itself and reflect on how it has influenced her life to this day.

In this reflective episode of Talk Story with Aunty Piilani, we follow her winding journey through childhood song. From class song contests at Keaukaha School to serving as the principal’s “songbird” at Waiākea, and later performing with the Rainbow Girls and the Haili Church Junior Choir, Aunty Piilani shares glimpses of her early singing life. Along the way, she offers heartfelt renditions of songs like “Trees,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “Ke Kali Nei Au.” Though the path is meandering, the melodies and memories offer a touching look at the role music played in shaping her youth.

In this week’s episode of Talk Story with Aunty Piilani, we follow the trail of candy bars, paper routes, and piggy banks as Aunty shares her earliest money memories—and the creative, scrappy ways she learned the value of a dollar. From selling fish to riding her bike through Keaukaha with the local newspaper, her entrepreneurial spirit shines. But it doesn’t stop there! Buckle up for some laugh-out-loud tales of brakeless car rides, and enjoy a special treat as Aunty strums her ʻukulele and attempts to sing “Manuela Boy.” This episode is full of mischief, music, and moments that will leave you smiling.

As the Merrie Monarch Festival approaches, Aunty Piilani reflects on the legacy of hula in Keaukaha—beginning with her vivid memories of “Aunty Edith,” the beloved Edith Kanakaʻole. In this episode, she shares how Aunty Edith nurtured the children of Keaukaha through hula, language, and aloha, especially during one unforgettable post-WWII May Day celebration. From lei contests and lūʻau to lessons that lasted a lifetime, Aunty Piilani takes us back to the heart of her community. Along the way, she remembers other legendary kumu hula, including Rose Kuamoʻo, George Naʻope, Johnny Lum Ho—and even a surprise appearance from a certain “hula pig” who helped shape her family’s story. There’s laughter, mischief (including one dramatic exit from a famous hālau), and above all, deep love for the traditions that continue to dance across generations.

Dive into a whirlwind of memories in this episode of Talk Story with Aunty Piilani, where we explore life's simpler yet spirited times. Join us as Aunty Piilani recounts the meticulous laundry rituals of the 1940s— a time when precision and patience were a daily necessity. We'll also sneak into tales of childhood mischief, from covert cigarette escapades to clubhouse capers with neighborhood friends. Through laughter and song, Aunty Piilani shares humorous and poignant neighborhood anthems that poke fun at everything from Primo beer to government projects. It's an episode that transports you to a world where teasing was all in good fun, and a song could say more than a speech. Don't miss these stories of camaraderie, culture, and a little creative rebellion.

Step back in time with Aunty Piilani as she shares her memories of growing up in Keaukaha, Hawaii. In this debut episode, Aunty Piilani takes us on a nostalgic journey through her youth on Hawaiian Homes land— from the carefree days of swimming at Awili Beach to her schooling in the 1940s at Keaukaha School. She paints a picture of a close-knit community where kids could muster a football team on a whim, where meals meant fresh catch or harvests, and where everyone shared a single party line phone. Join us to discover the simple joys and enduring spirit of Keaukaha as seen through the eyes of someone who lived and loved it.