Each May, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the diverse cultures, rich histories, and lasting contributions of communities that have helped shape the United States. For greenteaHAWAII, headquartered on the island of Oʻahu, this month carries a deeper resonance. While we are not Native Hawaiian-owned, we live, work, and grow our vision on these islands—and we recognize our kuleana (responsibility) to honor the culture, land, and people who make Hawaiʻi what it is.

AANHPI Heritage Month began as a weeklong recognition in 1978 and expanded to a full month in 1992. May was chosen to commemorate both the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. in 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, built largely by Chinese laborers. But beyond these markers, May has grown into a celebration of all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders—diverse groups with deeply rooted identities, languages, and ways of life.

At greenteaHAWAII, we believe that honoring Native Hawaiian culture isn’t just something we do once a year—it’s part of how we live and serve every day. Our owner and longtime  Oʻahu resident, Chris Boling, shares, “It’s not enough to live here. We have to live in gratitude—for the land, for the culture, and for the people. Native Hawaiian values are part of what inspires our ‘Live in Gratitude’ motto.”

This month, we invite you to experience Native Hawaiian wisdom in a meaningful, accessible way. Whether you're on your morning walk, driving to work, or enjoying a quiet evening, we encourage you to listen to the audiobook Island Wisdom: Hawaiian Traditions and Practices for a Meaningful Life, available on Spotify:

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Written by four Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners—Kainoa Daines, Dr. Kealaloloa Kaholokula, Makana Chai, and Lopaka Kapanui—Island Wisdom is a heartfelt guide to living with aloha. Through stories, history, and reflections, the authors illuminate core Hawaiian values like pono (righteousness), kuleana (responsibility), and maikaʻi (goodness). It’s a book that doesn’t just teach—it transforms.

As you listen, you may find yourself reflecting on your own values, your connection to the land, and how gratitude shows up in your life. These are lessons we carry with us in every part of our work at greenteaHAWAII—from the way we source our ingredients to the way we care for our customers.

To celebrate AANHPI Month, we’ll be highlighting artists, businesses, and cultural expressions throughout the remainder of the month. But this first step—taking the time to listen and learn—is foundational. It's one way we can all show respect for the culture that has gifted us so much beauty, wisdom, and joy.

So stir or shake up a cup of greenteaHAWAII, find a quiet moment, and press play on Island Wisdom. It’s more than a book—it’s a window into a way of life that centers community, compassion, and harmony with the world around us.

Mahalo for being part of our community. Let’s celebrate AANHPI Month not just with admiration, but with action—by listening, learning, and honoring the Native Hawaiian traditions that shape our shared home.