Celebrating Our Roots

Journey from China to Kauai: A Family's Heritage

Discover the inspiring story of Chock Chin’s journey to save his family in China and build a new kind of life in the lush island Kingdom of Hawaii in the early 19th century. 

Stories of Courage, Sacrifice, Vision, and Grace

The Dynasties of China

Understand the world inhabited by our ancestors, who each took their place in the family in a China being shaped and controlled by the dynastic ruler of their day.  Starting with the first emperor, Yu the Great -- founder of the Xia Dynasty in 2070 BC  (pictured here)...

Noteworthy Tang Ancestors

Another famous Tang: Tang Shao Yi The Tang clan of Tang Jia Village was well known in the area. As Louise Skyles told me, "While most of the villagers in the area just barely survived and went overseas to make a living, the Tang clan sent their members overseas to...

Chock Chin’s Historical World

To really understand Chock Chin, we must come to understand the world he lived in. His historical context helps us interpret the way he organized his family, the way he interacted with his community, his business practices, his dreams and ambitions, and ultimately the...

The Rollover

In 1991 I was employed at a job in Ft Collins, Colorado as a Printed Circuit Board designer and programmer.  I also had a teaching job at the Denver Business College as an AutoCAD instructor.  During this time I was driving a red Toyota Corolla hatchback and really...

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Chock Chin’s Lotus Pond

Chock Chin’s Lotus Pond

Tourists to Hanalei throughout many decades were advised not to miss the famous Hanalei Lily Pond, dug by Chock Chin and his sons originally as a Lotus Pond near the family home.  Located along the main road, it was featured in the travel photos of thousands of...

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Explore the History

Migration Tales

Cultural Traditions

Family Stories

Historical Insights

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