National Geographic Explorer • Champion for Diversity and Equity • United Nations Visionary Award Recipient • TED Speaker • Award-Winning Filmmaker

Profiles rarely include the sum of our journeys. Yet, it's the whole story, both triumphs and sorrows, that grants us our humanity. 

I was born in a small town and come from humble beginnings. 

Yet, my Hawaiian elders had strong intuitions for this young child. They believed my destiny would take me far away to protect the ancestral wisdom of the world. As improbable as it seemed, I pursued their vision with every ounce of courage.

By age 28, I had buried both my parents.

By age 50, I lost my husband to cancer.

Despite these challenges and setbacks, I earned a Ph.D. in anthropology. Then led a daring expedition to a remote Micronesian island, becoming National Geographic's first Polynesian Explorer and the first female Fellow in the organization's history. 

Today, I'm leading a team of technologists in designing the digital ecosystem EARTH ONE to protect and share the world's wisdom. When time allows, I also give keynote addresses globally as an advocate for cultural justice, equity, and inclusion.

For anyone who feels their dreams are audacious and improbable, I wish you the courage and tenacity to lean in and soar!

TESTIMONIALS

“Elizabeth's insights into the timeless lessons of Wayfinding, including the importance of valuing in equal measure the heart and mind, provided critical unlocks to our team and will no doubt do the same for a broader audience.” 
 Ashley Grice, CEO BrightHouse, BCG Subsidiary

"Elizabeth has greatly honored her Hawaiian heritage, where not long-ago cultural repression was the norm. She is superbly qualified for her global quest to find and protect the essence of at-risk cultures." 
Captain Don Walsh, National Geographic

"Elizabeth is a spellbinding presenter and storyteller who embodies an inimitable coherence as a daring explorer, visionary wisdom keeper, and courageous advocate for Indigenous cultures around the world. She brings her work alive through stunning visual imagery and poetry into an unforgettable experience."
Dr. Chellie Spiller, Professor of Leadership
Leader-in-Residence, Oxford University

In 2010, Elizabeth received the Visionary Award from the United Nations for her contributions in intercultural engagement and understanding.

2010 United Nations Visionary Award

CINE Eagle Award for Best Short Documentary "Then There Were None". 
"To millions of travelers the world over, Hawai'i is an alluring picture postcard paradise. But to Native Hawaiians, nothing could be further from the truth. This is their compelling story, of a race displaced by outside influences and now on the verge of extinction, is brilliantly told in this new award-winning documentary created by the second great-granddaughter of Hawaiian high chiefs and English sea farers."

CINE EAGLE Award, Best Documentary

1978 Miss Hawaii

2004 Woman of the Year

Union Institute & University

University of Hawai'i

National Geographic Society

National Geographic Explorer

Anthropologist, Filmmaker, TED Speaker

EARTH ONE, LLC

The mission of EARTH ONE is to protect and advance cultural knowledge and wisdom. We’re forging a new frontier of exploration using just-in-time tech to preserve out-of-time cultures.

Chief Executive Officer and Founder

BCG BrightHouse

BrightHouse Luminary

TED Conferences

Global Speaker. Keynote Addresses include Oxford University, the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Institute, and Harvard University.

Taplio

The 100 Best Linkedin Influencers about holi

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Taplio

The 100 Best Linkedin Influencers about holi

Looking for accounts sharing the most valuable insight on LinkedIn? You're in the right place.

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