Denise (Ola) Ropa

Denise Ropa, affectionately known as Aunty Ola, joined the Lanai Community Health Center (LCHC) team in May 2016. Originally from Ka’u, Hawai’i, Ola moved to Lāna’i in 1990 to be closer to her family. Although her koko bleeds Ka’u, her naʻau ties her to the island of Lānaʻi.

Ola’s professional journey is a series of jobs and a rich tapestry of diverse experiences. For 15 years, she honed her hospitality and customer service skills at Lāna’i Resorts/Four Seasons. She also ventured into entrepreneurship, owning and operating Canoes Lāna’i Restaurant for another 15 years. These experiences have shaped her skills and established her as a beloved and well-known figure in the community.

Ola’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication and professional growth. Driven by a promise to her father and a deep sense of duty to the Kupuna community, she embarked on this path. In 2017, she earned her certification as a community health worker, following a certificate in case management in 2016. Her commitment led her to achieve an associate’s degree in human services and liberal arts in 2021. Most recently, she graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi, West Oahu, with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, Community Health, further enhancing her ability to serve our community.

With all the accolades of being a business owner and fulfilling a lifelong dream of learning, the pride and joy of being a grandmother far outweigh everything. As the ʻolelo noʻeau states: E lei kau, e lei hoʻoilo i ke aloha, (love is worn like a wreath through the summers and the winters) Love is everlasting.  (Mary Kawena Pukui, ʻŌlelo Noʻeau No. 332)