Climber Story: Kanani Kalahiki

To start, tell us a little bit about yourself 

Hey, I'm Kanani! I'm 45 years old and live in Hawaii! I have three kids: 16, 13, and 5. In addition to being a mom, I also have the best job in the world — I'm a flight attendant as well as a flight attendant instructor. I get paid to travel all over the world and teach my colleagues how to do it too.

How did you start climbing?

My 13 year-old daughter was chosen to be part of her climbing gym's competition team, and I had the opportunity to watch her blossom as a climber. She regularly placed at our gym's Kilter Board competitions and I would watch her with such awe at how she seemingly defied gravity with such grace.

I started to think, "How cool would it be if I could do that?" but kept putting it out of my mind because I (incorrectly) thought there was no way I could do that at my age.

However, in the following months I found myself at the gym more and more, either for her practice drop-off or pick up. I thought, "Well... if I'm here anyway, why not give climbing a try?" By the end of my first day, I was hooked.

I was also scared out of my mind but chose to continue coming back each day!

What impact has climbing had on your life?

Climbing has filled a void I didn't realize existed. I used to be a runner, but getting into my 40's (and after my youngest was born) I realized it was no longer feasible to run for distance. I integrated walking into my daily routine, but I just found it to be monotonous.

Once I stumbled into climbing, a whole new world opened up for me. It's pushed me into a mentally stronger head space, and has really helped me to realize that you can enter your strong girl era at ANY age!

What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?

I love cooking for, and spending time with my family. My children are always bringing home their friends, and it really fills my bucket to come home to a full house.

My husband (also a climber) and I have a standing rule that our home is a safe space for all who walk through our doors. We feed everyone, love them as we love our kids, and give them a place to rest when needed. Being raised as an only child, having a home full of kids gives me a sense of happiness and peace I could never fully explain.

If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?

There's a word in 'olelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language) that has consistently resonated with me, and it's one that I try my best to live by: Ho'omau.

It means to persevere, to carry on. It has carried me through the highs and lows of my life — to continue moving forward. 

Favorite thing about Dynamite Starfish?

I mean this in all sincerity: any time I wear my DS shirts, I send my projects. I call them "my lucky send shirts" haha!

I love supporting a small, woman-owned business as well. This is the icing on the cake for sure.

Is there something you're working on that you'd like to tell our community about? We love a good story.

Currently, the parents at our gym are working hard to get our comp kids to their regional competition at Long Beach Rising next month. It's an honor for them to have the opportunity to represent Hawai'i and our home gym (Volcanic Rock Gym).

You can find Kanani on Instagram at @climbingboomski.

Want to get to know more of the climbers in the amazing Dynamite Starfish community? Check out our archive of Climber Stories here.

We hope you have enjoyed these sneak peeks into climbers' lives. We're on a mission to share diverse stories about rock climbing. Let's push the boundaries of who we know as climbers. Let's use our energy and passion for the outdoors to love our environment and inspire one another.

Have someone you think we should feature? Send us a message and let us know!