Say Hello to Ms. Orbistando

You may recognize Charmaine Orbistando through her many community ties. Her husband Mark is a pastor, and they have a small congregation on the island. They help with Lanai Special Olympics and recently raised funds for the organization through the Cop on Top program. The Orbistandos also have a booth at Fifth Friday with free games and prizes for keiki.

Mrs. Orbistando moved to Lanai in September 2015 from the small town of Wahiawa on Oahu, where she was a pre-school assistant director and pre-K teacher. Living on Lanai taught her more about Hawaiian culture and ways of life.

“I’m a city girl,” she said. “Here, my dad taught me how to clean crab and opihi, and how to cook using an imu. The lifestyle is slow, not fast. You can enjoy life.”

At LHES, she teaches pre-K as a long-term substitute. “I like the people I work with; they’re so awesome. Everyone is so nice,” Mrs. Orbistando said. “It’s easy to make friends.”

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Orbistando likes to read autobiographies and explore nature with her husband; watching the sunset at Kaumalapau is a favorite pastime.