Born and raised in Lahaina, Karyn is a graduate of Lahainaluna High School. After enrolling her first child in papa mālaaʻo, she went on to study Hawaiian language at Maui Community College and the University of Hawai’i West Oʻahu. She assisted in opening the Pūnana Leo o Lahaina and serves as its director. Her four children all attend nā kula kaiapuni o Lahaina. Since 2018, she has also served on the ʻAha Kauleo — the kaiapuni advisory board to the state Board of Education and in 2019, she help found Nā Mamo Aloha ʻĀina o Honokōhau, a community organization dedicated to restoring and protecting Honokōhau’s culture and history. She hopes to raise her keiki to be kanaka makua who respect and love their ʻāina, ʻōlelo, ʻike kūpuna and lāhui. Kanekoa has said, “Lahaina and its people are so very special. We are a village, working together to raise our keiki and keep each other safe. I wouldn’t have it any other way!”