Bailey moved to Waimea in 2022 with her Mom and sisters from O’ahu. Since then, She has found some really fun activities in the community. Bailey says she loves to thrift at the local thrift shops right here in town, as well as go to the farmers markets too. She and her mom have also given back to the community by both working at Parker School since they've moved. Bailey works at the elementary school and, sometimes, at the front desk with her mom doing attendance. I personally enjoy having both Bailey and her mom work at Parker because they are always very sweet and welcoming when signing people in every morning.
Compared to O’ahu, Waimea is a big change. Bailey said that in O’ahu everyone is inspired to “Be like the Kardashians” and is very focused on keeping up with the trends. However, in Waimea, she says the environment and people are more relaxed and live with more of a country vibe, which she prefers. Bailey also mentioned the weather differences. Bailey says that when she used to live in Kapolei on O’ahu, it was way hotter and more dry than in Waimea. Now she lives on the wet side here and she loves it. She says “I prefer Waimea 100%”.
Bailey mentioned that her lifestyle in Waimea is totally opposite her lifestyle in O’ahu. She said that Waimea has really changed her, obviously for the better. She shared with me a little about her past. She said that while living in O’ahu she used to party a lot. Although that was partially enjoyable for her, she mentioned that she “wasn’t doing well”. She says that she has found peace since moving to Waimea, and lives a much better lifestyle now. I found this to be really inspiring because a lot of people can get caught up in the city lifestyle, but Bailey was able to turn over a new leaf.
Bailey mentioned she hasn’t been able to find a lot of friends in the community, even though she is welcomed. She's been more focused on finding herself. I feel like finding yourself in Waimea is so easy since it's such a calming/personal experience. I tend to feel like the activities I do in Waimea with my friends like thrifting, going to farmers markets, and going to parks to appreciate nature, could be just as enjoyable doing them alone. Waimea is perfect for finding yourself compared to places like O’ahu. There’s a sense of safety and cleanliness in Waimea. Everything is surrounded by nature and friendly people, making it a great place to live and an inspiring place. Bailey and her mom, Aunty Uluwehi, have both been great contributors to Waimea, especially the Parker School community. I hope they continue to love Waimea and stay here as long as possible.