HGTV stars Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama are proof that things aren’t always as they seem. The couple, who co-host the hit series Renovation Aloha, are addressing persistent misconceptions about their wealth, emphasizing that their current success is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience rather than inherited privilege.
In a candid Instagram video shared on Tuesday, Kamohai Kalama opened up about the couple's humble beginnings. "We were actually in a dire situation when we found real estate, like $80,000 in bad debt, which is like a lot of people here in Hawaii, just because it's so expensive," he explained. "And we were asking for help for rent some months."
Tristyn Kalama joined the conversation with a touch of humor, noting she would have gladly accepted a trust fund if one had been offered. However, Kamohai was quick to dispel the "trust fund baby" narrative that often follows them. Because his father, businessman Corbett Kalama, is highly successful, many viewers assume the couple started with a "silver spoon."
"The fact of the matter is, I've never taken a penny from my dad to start a real estate company, nor has he invested in it at all," Kamohai stated, adding that his family's roots were built from nothing. The couple emphasized that their path to HGTV fame was paved with financial instability, difficult risks, and the necessity of learning from failure. "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," they shared.
As their public profile has grown, the couple noted that criticism has intensified. They believe that people often construct narratives about their wealth because it is easier than acknowledging the reality of consistent, relentless effort. "The truth is far less glamorous. We just kept showing up," they concluded.
Since the premiere of Renovation Aloha in 2024, the Kalamas have become staples of the HGTV network, appearing on Rock the Block and Battle on the Beach. Despite their professional success, they have navigated public scrutiny, including reports regarding the discovery of human remains at a renovation site and fines related to short-term rental operations in Hawaii.