Teri Waros of Moloka’i
“There’s a lot of us women that at this stage of our life that need to step out of the pace of life and take a look, be a little reflective and Moloka’i holds the space for that. You go to the beach, you’re going to be the only one on the beach.” ~ Teri Waros
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This episode is sponsored by Porteen Gear.
Teri Waros is the owner of Kalele Bookstore and Divine Expressions, a book and gift store on the island of Moloka’i. If you happen to be on the island, you can’t miss the store because it’s one of only a handful of shops in the “downtown” area.
I recently visited Moloka’i for the first time. I was hosted by the Moloka’i Visitors Association. It was a short visit but it gave me the chance to get a good feel for this rarely visited island.
When I asked whom I might speak with for the podcast, all fingers pointed to Teri. During my few days on the island, it was clear that Teri is an integral part of the community and, really, she’s just a magnet for all that’s going on there. She’s an amazing woman. During the few times that I popped into her store, there were always people there chatting with her.
When I say she’s a magnet, as an example, Teresa Shook, THE founder of the Women’s March, happened to be on the island for an event at Teri’s bookstore while I was there. So I got to hear Teresa speak and talk about the March and I plan on having her on the podcast in the near future—we’ll be recording when she visits Seattle this summer.
This chat with Teri wasn’t meant to be a commercial for Moloka’i but as I listened to and edited our talk, I was totally seduced into wanting to return.
Teri’s a very special woman and there are a lot of gems in this conversation. Take the time to listen and really reflect on some of her thoughts and ideas.
Some of the highlights of this conversation include how she felt disconnected while on Maui, she talks about how different each of the Hawaiian islands are (she’s lived on several of them), and how we can have meaningful experiences that don’t include a high thread count on sheets like those at high end hotels. Teri also talks about the synchronicity that happens on Moloka’i and how we need to allow ourselves to simply be open to receiving. Because allowing ourselves to receive is a gift in and of itself.
This wasn’t meant to be an ad for Moloka’i but we talked A LOT about Moloka’i and what makes the island so magical. A word of caution… Moloka’i is not for everyone and the residents are not eager for hordes of tourists, as you’ll hear in this conversation. But for those of you looking for something unspoiled and are willing to visit and not feel angst over the fact that there’s only one hotel and a handful of restaurants, it might be for you!
Connect with Teri
Kalele Bookstore
64 Ala Malama
Kaunakakai, Molokai 96729
808-553-5112
Mentioned in this Episode
Other links and resources
Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Porteen Gear.
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Be Bold,
Beth
Beth, thanks so much for the interview with my dear sister “Auntie Teri” Her love of Molokai is as true and solid as anyone on this earth. I found myself drifting back to the many conversations I have had at her store and around the island. She is a rare gem on this earth and someone I cherish and love. My heart smiles! Dan
My husband and I visited Teri’s shop the first time four years ago; our first trip to Moloka’i. She is the most true and beautiful person I’ve met. She welcomed us to the island and helped us discover the aloha that shines here! We have been back three times, and each time we stop in to visit and she is always welcoming!
I live on Molokai only a month or so at a time.
Terri is truly the anchoring piece for those of us from the West Side of the Island. She reminds us while we are there to release ourselves from our “normal” lives and achieve the “slow down” attitude that surrounds us there. She is able to recognise the “aura” of each person she meets & give that person idea’s of, where best on the island, to “feed” that “center”.
She is a person sought out for perspectives, insight and “light”.
I carry her in my heart each time I leave island, and she is the FIRST person I travel to see each time I go.
IShe is a pulse of Molokai,
Loving her here on Mainland. Lynette
She really is extraordinary, isn’t she Teresa? I’m so glad you found her during your visit!
Lynnette – thanks for your lovely words about Teri! She really is a gem and I think we all carry home with us a bit of Teri. I love her Facebook feed filled with Moloka’i sunrises!