Hana Yoshimura

I was born and raised in Southern California where the beach, desert, and mountains were just a bike/car ride away. I grew up absolutely loving the outdoors and have always been very passionate about caring for the environment. I moved to Oahu in 2018 to pursue a degree in Botany, and successfully graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Winter of 2021. I’ve had experience doing native wildlife conservation work in California as well as local farming here on the west side of the island.

I believe that not only learning about the environment but actively being immersed in it is so incredibly important for the well-being of humans. My position as an Environmental Educator here at the Hawaii Nature Center has proved just that. Every day that I come into work, I’m witness to how the natural world inspires innovation, encourages curiosity, improves physical and mental health, provides community, and is simply beautiful!

But when I’m not out in nature, I enjoy crocheting, drawing, painting, sewing, cooking, baking, etc. I also very much enjoy being active and am always open to learning new forms of movement whether it be yoga or skateboarding or dance or pilates.