Jennifer Robbins

We are dedicated to giving you dynamic and informative weather and surf reports along with keeping you and your ohana safe when severe weather impacts Hawaii.

My family and friends would describe me as an adventurer, world traveler, storm chaser, and outdoor enthusiast who has a true passion for meteorology, oceanography, and the Earth sciences. I graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor of science degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, which is a calculus-based physics meteorology degree. I also have a journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Some of my most memorable adventures include: rock climbing up a 600 ft. cliff in Yosemite, hiking to the top of Half Dome, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, facing the white water rapids of Rotorua in New Zealand, watching glow worms while black water rafting through caves, hiking the Na Pali coast of Kauai, snow shoeing the mountains of Idaho, riding scooters in the busy streets of Vietnam, trekking through rice fields in Sapa, zip-lining through the trees and canyons of Catalina, and launching from a 3,500 ft. peak while hang gliding over Los Angeles. I also get such a rush when I go on a severe weather or tornado chasing extravaganza! I also enjoy hiking and getting a bird's eye view of my surroundings while watching the clouds form around me. It is the best feeling! That's why I absolutely love doing "On the Radar" outdoor feature reports in Hawaii Nei... showcasing the true beauty of the islands.

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the universe, and I feel so blessed to live here! The Aloha State is a very special place for my family, because this is where my mom first lived after escaping the Vietnam war. Hawaii was her first "home" in the states, and it reminded her of her hometown of Can Tho with the lush tropical plants and warm weather. Hawaii is where my mom also received her US citizenship while living on Oahu, before she met my dad in San Diego.

While growing up, we had a family restaurant in Coronado where I learned to cook from the best of the best (my mom, of course). She makes the most delicious pho and I enjoy making Goi Cuon (summer spring rolls) and cha gio (Vietnamese egg rolls) using her scrumptious recipes and tips. My brother, two sisters, and I helped work at our family restaurant while our dad enjoyed "sampling" the food which became his night job (his day job: working as a dentist).

Before coming to Hawaii, I worked with what I would call the best news crew in Los Angeles at KABC-TV, as a broadcast meteorologist and the primetime weather producer. I learned a few weather moves from one of America's most animated and enthusiastic meteorologists, Dallas Raines (he is such a great role model and he sure knows how to crouch, do the fist pump and golf swing). It was a pleasure working with Dallas and the KABC weather crew. I also worked in Boise, Idaho at KBOI-TV as a broadcast meteorologist and environmental reporter. While attending college, I interned at KRON TV in San Francisco and KNSD TV in San Diego. I also worked for the County of San Diego's Media and Public Relations Department, as well as, the Air Pollution Control District.

I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing HNN ohana (they are a terrific bunch) and our Hawaii News Now's severe weather team with Guy Hagi, Dan Cooke and Ben Gutierrez.

When I am not tracking weather on the 'tele' or reporting on an "On the Radar," island adventure-- I am embarking on my own outdoor outing with my husband who is a pilot and engineer. We enjoy hitting the beaches, swimming, running trails and hiking across the islands. I also enjoy volunteering in the community and visiting schools. I'll be on a mission to get students excited about the Earth Sciences, and I hope to motivate them about getting involved in the world of science and mathematics. It really is amazing how much you can do in the field, and how being involved in a science career can lead you to make a positive and everlasting imprint on wonderful Mother Earth.

I am touched by the Aloha spirit, and I feel so blessed to call the Aloha state my home. **Feel free to send your weather photos and questions my way and connect with me at: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferrobbins.hnn