Jeanne Cooper grew up listening to songs and stories of Hawaii from her mother, who lived in Oahu as a teen. She began writing about Hawaii and its diverse cultures for the San Francisco Chronicle and SFGate.com in 2002. Her travel stories have also been published in numerous U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and websites.  She lives on Hawaii Island with her triathlete husband, two mutts, and two cats and always enjoys learning about more about Hawaii’s lovely islands with visiting family and friends.