Shannon Wianecki was raised in Hawai'i and currently lives in Milwaukee. She published her first story in 2001 and has been writing professionally ever since.

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Recent accolades:
BEST INDEPENDENT JOURNALIST 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016
BEST BODY OF WORK 2021, 2017
BEST FEATURE WRITING / LONG FORM 2021
BEST SCIENCE REPORTING 2018, 2016
Society of Professional Journalists – Hawai’i Chapter

TRAVEL WRITER OF THE YEAR 2016 
Hawai’i Ecotourism Association

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What the judges said: “Incredible research and compelling prose to take these deep dives far beyond the surface of the natural and cultural worlds of the state. A master storyteller at work.” 

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“Shannon Wianecki’s charming wildlife portraits combine lore and science to highlight Hawaii’s environmental riches and its ecological challenges. A pleasure to read. Now, Shannon, how about a book?” 

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Her book credits include: Frommer’s Hawai’i 2015-2019, Maui Day-by-Day, Top Maui Restaurants 2012, Fodor’s Maui 2005-2009 and Fodor’s Hawai‘i 2002-2009.

 

Wianecki created high school science curricula based on the native ecosystems of Hawai’i: Hō’ike o Haleakalā.

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(Thanks to Sam ‘Ohu Gon III for the amazing rainbow shot. Read the story here: Into the House of the Sun.)