2008 Woodie Awards
Hawaiian native brings island flavor to Vol State
Kayla Turnbow
Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: News
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Akana Mauia is a native of Hawaii. He came to the continental 48 states from the state's capital city, Honolulu.
Mauia said that he lived in Hawaii for 18 years. He is now 19-years-old and lives in Lebanon.
He said that after 18 years on an island, people pretty much have done everything there is to do.
"I wanted to get out and see the world, basically," Mauia said.
He first left Hawaii and moved to Los Angeles, Calif. where he completed a semester at Cerritos College. He said he didn't like the people there so he moved to Tennessee.
"I love the people here, so I decided to stay," Mauia said.
He chose to come to Volunteer State Community College because it was the closest school to his house.
Many would assume that he is studying music.
However, Mauia did not know that Vol State had a music department when he registered.
He is planning to take piano or guitar lessons next semester and also wants to learn how to read music.
Mauia is majoring in engineering.
"Later, hopefully, I will get to open my own business. Maybe go back home and handle my business there, if not, I'll stay here," he said.
He said that he wants to build houses, complexes, anything involving civilization, and even commercial buildings.
Mauia said that he loves his family and friends in Hawaii. Now that he is in Tennessee, his favorite thing is music.
He taught himself to play the ukulele in the sixth grade and he also knows how to play guitar.
Mauia said that he plays a more traditional style on the guitar.
"It's not with chords. It is all picking that was handed down from generation to generation," he said.
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