Mākuahine: Makiʻilei & Malia


A VISUAL STORY TELLING PROJECT BY MARIANA MONASI FROM PACHAMAMA CREATIVE CELEBRATING MOTHERHOOD IN ALL ITS FORMS. A PROJECT OF THE HAWAIʻI LGBT LEGACY FOUNDATION, PRESENTED BY CENTRAL PACIFIC BANK.

“Motherhood is support, caring and growing. We have the capacity to have mothers in many different forms. For us, growing up, we grew up with so many aunties. We actually lost a few of our mothers last year about the same time. They were two of the biggest and best examples of ʻmotherʻ. We have a great example to follow.” — Makiʻilei

<— Mākuahine main page

Maki’ilei (she/her/’oia) is a single parent, genderfluid and pansexual, makua to  Kala’e, and aikane to Malia (she/her). They were introduced by a friend when they were playing music a while back, and became a couple 8 months ago. They are partnering in love and motherhood by creating an environment filled with support, care, growth, presence and unconditional love for their child Kala’e, and for each other.


“When I became a mom I was 21 years old–well, 20, technically. I was a young mom, a pretty young mom. I was still going to school. I was still doing a lot of other things…”– Makiʻilei

“We have talked about expanding the family and the logistics of that.  Setting aside time, money. Weʻre thinking about the donor; is that important for us that our child donor is kanaka.”– Makiʻilei

“Being fearful of not being accepted when we were younger with our parents. There was a moment when I felt like I couldnʻt defend my partner.”– Makiʻilei

“I think the times are definitely more understanding and compassionate. Itʻs not so explosively confrontational.”– Makiʻilei


<— Mākuahine main page