Our Story So Far...
Imagination Reality
Dream it. Believe it. Create it.
Imagination Reality creates stories that help children feel empowered, uplifted, and accepted as they discover who they are, where they belong, and how to move through the world with courage and kindness.
Our work is rooted in imagination — not just as creativity, but as a powerful way children learn empathy, resilience, and self-worth. Since 2017, we’ve brought meaningful stories to life for children and families through original characters who lead by example and remind us that kindness is powerful.
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Originally launched as a children’s character entertainment company, Imagination Reality inspired joy and connection through live performances and role-model visits across Maui. After several years of serving the community, we retired and sold those costumes to focus fully on creating and expanding our own original stories and characters — carrying forward the same mission of imagination, hope, and connection in a more personal, lasting way.
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Founded by Maui-based author Marissa Molina, Imagination Reality was born from a deep love for inspiring children to become their best selves and a belief that imagination is a powerful tool for building a purposeful life.
Rooted in Community
"Aloha Aku, Aloha Maui"
"Give love, Receive love" or "Love outward, Love inward"
Community isn’t just part of our story — it’s where our story began.
Over the years, we’ve proudly volunteered our time and characters to support local causes, including Make-A-Wish Hawaii, IMUA Family Services, local shelters and nonprofit events, and families affected by the 2023 Lahaina fires.
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What began as sharing smiles through character visits grew into something deeper: a mission to uplift, connect, and bring hope to families who need it most.
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Alongside these efforts, we founded Hawaii Cosplayer Spotlight, a platform that celebrates creativity across the islands and connects local artists, performers, and families through positivity, shared values, and a love for storytelling.
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As we continue to create and share original stories, we remain committed to using imagination as a force for good — bringing joy, encouragement, and light to our island community and beyond.
Community Partners & Collaborations:
Features & Mentions:
Marissa Molina
"Listen, Learn, Grow, to best Love, Help, & Lead."
“Listen. Learn. Grow — to best Love, Help, & Lead.”
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Marissa Molina is a Maui-based author, creator, and founder of Imagination Reality — a storytelling brand devoted to inspiring children and families through courage, kindness, and creativity.
After visiting Maui, Marissa quickly formed deep connections with the island community and moved from Wisconsin to Maui in 2012. In 2014, while working at the YMCA, she was asked to perform as a princess for a child’s birthday party. That single moment — watching a child’s eyes light up with wonder — sparked what would become her life’s mission: using imagination and characters as a force for joy, courage, and connection.
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In 2017, following the passing of her mother, Marissa founded Imagination Reality as a way to honor her grief and channel purpose into stories that uplift others. She began writing original characters and worlds in 2018, leading to the publication of Poi ’n Kai and the Seashell Snatcher (2021), Poi ’n Kai and the Power of Kindness Over Bullying (2024), and The Dream I Planted (2025).
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Marissa believes imagination is more than creativity — it’s how we understand ourselves, connect with others, and discover our purpose. Through her books and characters, she hopes to help children feel seen, accepted, and brave as they grow into who they’re meant to be.
