The Authors
Sam Chen
Writer
Sam is a 10 year-old who lives in Seattle and has visited Hawaii over 20 times. In his free time he likes to play soccer, eat Asian food, and take photos. His favorite things to do on O'ahu include eating shave ice, going to Waikiki Beach, visiting his grandparents' house (which you can color!) and hiking up the Koʻolau mountains.
Robert Chen
Writer
Robert is Sam's dad and grew up on O'ahu. He spent his mostly chicken-free youth roaming the streams of Manoa Valley in the heart of Honolulu and chasing fish in the ocean near Chinaman's Hat. Robert's favorite things to do in Hawaii include kayaking to the Kaneohe sandbar, eating shave ice, and hiking up the Koʻolau mountains.
The Illustrators
Waibun Lee
Illustrator
Waibun is Sam's uncle. He lived in Hawaii for a year when he was very young before his family moved to Southern California. Now Carmel is his new home, and the beach there always reminds him of his time in Hawaii. Waibun studied Architecture in college, and he loves to take pictures and draw.
Emily Lee
Illustrator
Emily attends high school in Monterey, California. She spends most of her time playing sports including swimming, water polo, and running. Her hobbies include reading, working out, and traveling. She is Sam's older cousin and has grown up alongside him. She thoroughly enjoys drawing and painting, especially nature.
Why a Rooster Guide?
If you've spent any time on O'ahu, you've probably met the island's unofficial mascots—the wild chickens! Originally brought from other parts of Polynesia, a hurricane freed many domestic and commercial chickens, who bred with the legally protected native chickens. Years later with no natural predators and no humans allowed to catch them, there's no one to stop them from multiplying. Who better to be your guide than the friendly, curious, free-spirited, and playful chicken who is always up for an adventure?