If you’d like to make a request, I kindly ask that you do so at least two weeks in advance to ensure I can accommodate your plans. I have a deep appreciation for cultures from all over the world, and my home reflects that. In Japan, for instance, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering a home. Likewise, in my own home, I have certain practices, including a strict no-smoking policy.

Here are a few additional house guidelines to ensure a comfortable stay for everyone:

Hygiene: Guests are expected to shower nightly.

Bedroom Etiquette: Please refrain from consuming food in the bedroom.

Bathroom Use: Male guests are kindly asked to sit when using the lavatory, regardless of the reason.

The kitchen, stove, and refrigerator are available for your use. After using any dishes, utensils, or cookware, please place them neatly in the sink—I’ll handle the washing and put them away.

For waste disposal, Japanese refuse collectors require all trash to be properly sorted. If you’re unsure about where to toss an item, just ask.

While you’re welcome to use the water from the server, please avoid excessive use, as the water is imported from Hawai‘i and can be costly. Prior guests have sometimes filled large thermoses, depleting the supply quickly.

Lastly, after using the shower, please use the squeegee to remove water from the walls, ceiling, and floor. This helps prevent mold and keeps the space clean for everyone.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

One significant aspect of my lifestyle is being a vegetarian, a choice I’ve maintained for the majority of my life. That said, I don’t always eat as healthily as I should—Japanese senbei is a particular indulgence of mine. I also enjoy cooking, and while I don’t consume meat, I do keep it on hand for the occasions when I host friends and family, as I frequently entertain guests in my home.

Although I currently reside in Japan, I remain deeply rooted in my Hawaiian identity. I am Hawaiian by birth, by blood, and in the way I live my life. To ensure you’re not puzzled by any of my actions or the behaviors of my Hawaiian friends— or even my non-Hawaiian friends who’ve embraced Hawaiian customs—I encourage you to explore the following link, which offers insight into our culture and practices.

https://www.gohawaii.com/hawaiian-culture/traditions

This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances and customs that shape my identity, as well as clarify my expectations as a host.

After carefully reflecting on the challenges and concerns others have encountered within the Couchsurfing community, I have made the decision to only accommodate single travelers who are verified members. I’ve come across sentiments like, "In my opinion, Couchsurfing is a society of free people and was created without any fee. Sorry, but I don't want to verify my profile." While I respect individual opinions, I believe the cost of verification is a small price to pay in comparison to the value of a free night’s stay.

Verification plays an essential role in ensuring that members are who they claim to be. It also provides an initial layer of security, offering a starting point if legal measures ever need to be taken. To me, it’s a small investment that fosters trust and safety between hosts and guests. As a host who has never couch-surfed—and likely never will—I made the choice to verify my profile to set the right example. Therefore, I kindly ask that anyone I host BE VERIFIED as well.

Although I have traveled to many countries and experienced a wide variety of accommodations, from hotels to staying with close friends, I have never personally couch-surfed with another member. I prefer the privacy and predictability of hotels and would never expect someone to host me. However, I enjoy hosting others and have chosen to be part of the Couchsurfing community as a VERIFIED host.

On one occasion, I was approached by a potential guest who did not feel it was necessary to verify her profile. As a result, she did not formally request to be hosted. Despite this, her attitude during our conversation made it clear that she expected me to bend the rules and offer her accommodation without verification. I found this mindset to be self-serving and inconsiderate. Couchsurfing is a platform that allows people to save money while traveling, but it’s also built on the time, effort, and contributions of those who created and maintain it. Her unwillingness to contribute by verifying her profile or respecting the platform’s value was disappointing. Even if I had been available to host her, I would have declined.

I believe in the importance of fairness and reciprocity. Far too many people are "takers" in this world, always expecting something for nothing, and I have no patience for that attitude. At my stage in life, I am committed to hosting those who share values of mutual respect, responsibility, and appreciation for the community we are part of. These values are the foundation of Couchsurfing, and I have no tolerance for those who fail to recognize them.

In the end, verification is about more than just following a rule—it’s about showing respect for the community and its members. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that builds trust and ensures the platform remains a safe and enjoyable space for everyone involved.

Watch these videos and be aware.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hddPIXNICPw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7QJmlE0ztA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxnpyf-4pYg

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

When my nephew needed a place to stay during his travels, he discovered Couchsurfing, and it sparked an idea in me. I realized that I could be a source of joy and hospitality for fellow travelers during their journeys.

Interests

• music
• classical music
• national geographic
• history channel
• watching animal planet

Music, Movies, and Books

Most music, Imitation of Life, Cultural History books and true stories.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Sang for the Queen of Tonga. Performed for Ronald Reaganʻs Taste of America.

Countries I’ve Visited

American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Czech Republic, England, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Nepal, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Russian Federation, Samoa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, United States, Venezuela, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States