Brenna Kiyota

My name is Brenna Kalehuamakamaeonālani Saeko Kiyota. My first name Brenna was derived by my dad’s name, Brent. Brenna means “raven haired beauty or beacon on the hill”. My Hawaiian middle name was given to me by one of my mom’s lomi sisters. Kalehuamakamaeonālani means precious lehua blossom/flowers of the heavens. This name has a unique and interesting story, this name came about in a dream. Saeko, my second middle name. This name came from my dad’s side of the family. Saeko is a little reminder of my grandpa who I never had the chance to meet. My parents named me after his mother in honor of him. No females had been born in the Kiyota line, my grandfather had said if a female was born she would be greatly spoiled. I was raised in the town of Wahiawā and attended 5 different schools before relocating with my ‘ohana to Waimea on Hawaiʻi island. I come from the Ushijima and Kiyota lineage. I feel interconnected with my ancestors because of my adventurous spirit, my ability to be resilient, kind, caring, determined, and focused. My welo ʻohana – family heritage and legacy – captures a deep love for adventuring, visiting various unique lands, and emerging themselves within our culture. My ancestors are my biggest role models, they inspire me to always give back. They always did their part to their kaiāulu, whether it was in politics, community service, being a hard worker, or to kōkua others and their environments. There are many things that fuel my spirit other than my family. I love scuba diving, basketball, helping others, painting, playing music, the outdoors, and discovering new things. Some quiet time alone is very important to me, it allows me to reflect and rejuvenate. I’m encouraged by travel, as opens my eyes and and makes me realize the world is a bigger place than I thought. There are so many places I want to travel to and experience for myself. However I need to take care of the land that has nourished me before I carry out that dream.