Kuaiwi Makua was born and raised in Waiʻanae and Pauoa, Oʻahu. She is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Health with a focus on Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Kuaiwi serves as the Population Health Specialist for Environmental Health, Nutrition, and Oral Health at Papa Ola Lōkahi. Outside of work, she continues her studies in Lāʻau Lapaʻau through Hālau Lapaʻau ʻO Waitātā under the tutelage of Keoki Baclayon. In her free time, Kuaiwi enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and planning her next big adventure.