Meet Nadara Rose

We recently connected with Nadara Rose and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadara, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being “the only one in the room” has been a part of my story since childhood. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I was often the only blonde in my class, a contrast that, at a young age, made me long to blend in and be beautifully brown like all the other kids. Over time, though, I learned to celebrate what made me different and to see individuality as something sacred.

I was raised here from the time I was a baby, and the greatest teacher I’ve ever had is the ʻāina, the land itself. The forest, the ocean, the rhythm of nature, all taught me about connection, reciprocity, and humility. Through those lessons, I learned to choose friends and collaborators not by appearance, but by heart. That early awareness became the foundation for how I lead and relate to others: by seeing the essence of people, listening deeply, and finding shared purpose.

My career in sales built on those same skills of learning to understand others, see through their eyes, and create solutions together. Now, as the owner of Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, I see this place as a bridge for healing and understanding. The sanctuary is more than a forest; it’s a living classroom that invites people to connect – with nature, with each other, and with their own unique essence. My hope is that everyone who visits leaves inspired and renewed, with a deeper sense of belonging. While our vision at Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary centers on reconnecting people with nature to inspire awareness and a deeper sense of responsibility, our legacy work is rooted in education about cloud forest ecology and the vital role this ecosystem plays in sustaining the watershed systems of West Hawai‘i. We advocate for the protection and understanding of this unique environment as an essential contributor to the island’s ecological health and resilience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, our work is about nurturing connection between people, place, and the living systems that sustain us. Every experience we offer is designed to awaken a sense of wonder and belonging. Alongside our signature ecological tours, we invite guests to engage in experiences such as forest bathing, sound baths, dance movement in the forest, yoga, and day or overnight retreats. Each offering is crafted to support personal transformation through creativity, healing, and community.

What excites me most is witnessing how the forest itself becomes the teacher. People arrive seeking a nature experience, and they often leave feeling a deeper sense of peace, inspiration, and purpose. The forest reminds us that regeneration, both ecological and personal, is always possible.

Our work continues to grow through new collaborations and offerings. Whether someone joins us for an hour or a week, our intention is the same: to inspire harmony with the Earth.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have most shaped my journey are curiosity, empathy, and resilience.

Curiosity has been a guiding force in my life. I’ve always been deeply interested in my inner world – my thoughts, emotions, and patterns, and how they ripple outward to affect the people and environment around me. I could see that everything is interconnected: the way we care for ourselves directly mirrors how we care each other. When we practice mindfulness and compassion we’re contributing to balance, not only within our own bodies, but within the larger ecosystem we’re part of.

Empathy is what allows real connection. It’s the ability to see through another’s lens – whether it’s a person, a tree, or an entire ecosystem. In business and in life, empathy helps us see the unseen, and create from a place of understanding. Practice it daily by slowing down and truly noticing the world around you, and within you, without judgement.

And resilience, that quiet strength that helps us keep going when things are uncertain. Restoration takes time. Trust that your consistent care and intention matter, and with time everything blooms.
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For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to honor your uniqueness, stay grounded in purpose, and let challenges refine you, not define you. Grow your roots deep and branches wide, and your life will bloom with abundance.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, we’re always open to thoughtful partnerships and collaborations that align with our mission. We’re particularly interested in working with individuals and organizations who are passionate about ecology, mindfulness, and transformation.

For overnight stays, we offer a retreat house which comfortably sleeps ten, nestled within the sanctuary. It’s an immersive setting where guests are held by the forest and invited to participate in experiences designed to inspire, renew, and restore.

If you’re interested in exploring a partnership or bringing a group to the sanctuary, we welcome you to reach out via our website or email. We look forward to collaborating with those who share our vision of creating meaningful and lasting experiences.

www.konacloudforest.com
www.konacloudforest.com/retreats

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.konacloudforest.com
• Instagram: @konacloudforestsanctuary
• Facebook: Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
• Youtube: @konacloudforestsanctuary
• Yelp: Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
• Other: Note that we offer free experiences on our Youtube channel – please follow us 🙂