“Renovation Aloha”’s Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama Were in $80K of Debt Before Finding HGTV Fame

Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama, hosts of the HGTV series *Renovation Aloha*, are speaking out about their journey from financial struggle to success in the real estate market. In a recent Instagram update, the couple addressed various misconceptions surrounding their wealth, particularly assumptions that their achievements stemmed from privilege.

The Kalamas explained that before achieving their current success, they faced significant financial challenges, accumulating as much as £80,000 in debt. This level of debt is not uncommon in Hawaii, where the cost of living can be especially high. At their lowest point, they even found themselves seeking assistance to pay rent. “We were in a dire situation when we found real estate,” Kamohai stated, reinforcing the idea that their path to prosperity was not paved with ease.

Highlighting a common misconception, Kamohai pointed out that many think he benefitted from a privileged upbringing due to his father, Corbett Kalama, being a noteworthy figure. However, he clarified that he has never received financial backing from his family to jumpstart his real estate career. “I’ve never taken a penny from my dad to start a real estate company, nor has he invested in it at all,” he said. He underlined that his family’s journey was one of modest beginnings rather than inherited wealth.

In their Instagram post, the couple expressed their gratitude for the path they have taken, recounting the risks they undertook and the resilience they demonstrated through setbacks. “We came from debt. From wondering how we were going to pay the bills some months. From taking risks that could’ve gone either way. From failing, learning, and getting back up again,” the couple noted in their heartfelt message.

Kamohai and Tristyn also addressed the rising criticism they have faced as they have gained notoriety. “The criticism hasn’t gotten quieter—it has gotten louder,” they acknowledged. They highlighted the tendency for people to create narratives that simplify their journey, suggesting that this is easier than acknowledging the long hours and dedication required for their success. “The truth is far less glamorous. We just kept showing up,” they asserted, encouraging others to persist in the face of doubt.

This commentary comes at a time when the couple has been navigating various controversies. Most notably, they were involved in a legal dispute after human remains, believed to belong to Native Hawaiian ancestors, were uncovered during a filming project. This incident raised serious concerns according to a civil complaint filed in the Third Circuit Court of Hawaii, as the remains are entitled to the highest level of protection under state law.

The episode in question was subsequently edited to remove footage of the remains, and the Kalamas assured viewers that they acted responsibly by notifying local authorities as soon as the situation was discovered. “We did not develop on the lot out of respect,” they stated, emphasising their commitment to honouring the heritage and concerns of the local community.

In addition to this legal issue, the Kalamas recently faced scrutiny for allegedly operating illegal short-term rentals, racking up fines totalling £40,000. This development further stirred speculation about the couple’s financial practices, despite their ongoing reassurances about their business ethics and respect for local regulations.

Despite these challenges, the Kalamas confirmed that their programme has not been cancelled, quashing rampant rumours about the future of *Renovation Aloha*.

While the couple has achieved significant success in real estate, they remain determined to counter the narrative that attributed their accomplishments solely to family wealth. Their message communicates that success is often grounded in hard work, resilience, and the readiness to confront obstacles head-on—a sentiment they hope resonates with their audience.