University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna and two-time NCAA Women’s Volleyball National Champion Lisa Strand has achieved remarkable success both on the court and in the business world.
Strand played a pivotal role in the Rainbow Wahine volleyball teams that secured consecutive national championships in 1982 and 1983 before graduating in 1986 with a degree in communications.
“UH was an amazing journey for me. I met so many amazing people,” said Strand. “I loved my time there, being on a bike and hanging out at the campus center. I just have nothing but good memories.”
She started Hapa Hawaiian Salts as a way to fundraise for her children’s school activities. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she decided to pursue the business full-time. Today, her hand-crafted, locally sourced seasoned sea salts are sold in more than 40 retail stores across Hawaiʻi, California and Washington.
“It’s been a great learning experience, really challenging at times. But, I think when you have passion for something, it usually comes through in your work and your product,” said Strand.
This summer, her son Micah Maʻa was a member of the United States Men’s Volleyball team at the Paris Olympics. Strand and the rest of the family closely followed every match, celebrating as they secured the bronze medal by defeating Poland in a four-set thriller.
Through the decades, Strand has stayed connected to Hawai‘i athletics. For more than 20 years, she has shared her expertise as a broadcaster for Spectrum Sports, covering both Rainbow Warrior and Wahine volleyball matches.
“I love it because there’s so much good energy there and I find within that community of the university, if you get involved, you’re going to have a great experience,” she said.
