Ross Shimabuku spent more than two decades building a respected name in television broadcasting. He worked across major U.S. markets before coming back home to Hawaii. Today, in 2026, he continues serving the local community through healthcare media work.
His journey from sports journalism to morning news anchoring is widely admired. Ross Shimabuku chose family over career advancement without hesitation. That decision shaped everything that followed in his professional life.
After leaving KHON2 in June 2023, he moved into corporate communications. He now creates health content for The Queen’s Health Systems in Honolulu. His storytelling skills remain sharp and deeply rooted in public service.
Who Is Ross Shimabuku?
Ross Shimabuku is a well-known Hawaiian broadcaster, journalist, and media professional. He spent over twenty years working in television news across the country. His name remains closely connected to KHON2 and Hawaiian morning television.
He built his career as a sports director before shifting to morning news. Ross Shimabuku anchored Wake Up 2day on KHON2 for five full years. His warm personality and professional polish made him a local fan favorite.
Beyond television, he is respected for his caregiving advocacy in Hawaii. He used his platform to highlight challenges facing local families with elderly parents. That personal commitment defined the most meaningful chapter of his career.
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Ross Shimabuku Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Ross Shimabuku |
| Origin | Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii |
| High School | Kalani High School, East Honolulu |
| University | Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, Arizona |
| Degree | Bachelor of Science in Accounting |
| Career Field | Broadcast Journalism, Sports Anchoring, Healthcare Communications |
| First TV Role | Sports Anchor, KGMB Honolulu |
| Major Markets | Phoenix, San Diego, New York City |
| National Network | Al Jazeera America (New York) |
| KHON2 Tenure | May 2018 – June 2023 |
| Co-Anchor | Kristine Uyeno |
| Signature Segment | Kupuna Caregiver (KHON2) |
| Acting Credit | The West Wing (character: Derek Wentworth) |
| Current Employer | The Queen’s Health Systems, Honolulu |
| Current Role | Corporate Communications and Content Creator |
| Partner | Nohea |
| Father | George Shoichi “Dado” Shimabuku (deceased) |
| Mother | Gladys Setsuko Shimabuku (deceased, 2022) |
| Siblings | Eric, Karen, Sandy, Lisa |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million – $3 million (estimated) |
Ross Shimabuku Age
An official birth date for Ross Shimabuku has never been publicly confirmed. He has always kept personal details like his exact age private. Based on his career timeline, a reasonable estimate can be made.
He attended Arizona State University in the late 1980s. His broadcasting career then launched in Honolulu in 2001. These milestones suggest his age is currently in the late 50s range.
Estimated Age Timeline
| Milestone | Estimated Period |
| High School Graduation | Late 1980s |
| ASU Graduation | Around 1989–1991 |
| First TV Role at KGMB | Early-to-mid 1990s |
| Move to Phoenix (KTVK) | 2001 |
| Career Total Length | 25+ years in broadcasting |
| Estimated Current Age (2026) | Mid-to-late 50s |
Ross Shimabuku Early Life And Education: From Accounting to Broadcast Journalism
Ross Shimabuku grew up in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu on Oahu. He attended Kalani High School, a public school in East Honolulu. From a young age, he developed a strong passion for both sports and storytelling.
After high school, he moved to Arizona to study at Arizona State University. He completed a full degree in accounting, which was a practical and stable choice. However, his true calling pulled him away from corporate finance entirely.
Education and Career Pivot Overview
| Stage | Detail |
| Hometown | Kaimuki, Honolulu, Oahu |
| High School | Kalani High School, East Honolulu |
| University | Arizona State University, Tempe |
| Degree Earned | B.S. in Accounting |
| Degree Status | Completed but never used professionally |
| Career Chosen | Broadcast Journalism and Sports Anchoring |
| First TV Break | KGMB, Honolulu (local CBS affiliate) |
| Skills at Entry | Self-taught, on-camera presence, sports knowledge |
| Mainland Move | Phoenix, Arizona, in 2001 |
| Reason for Pivot | Passion for sports media over accounting desk work |
Ross Shimabuku Family
Ross Shimabuku comes from a large, close-knit local family on Oahu. He is the youngest of five children, fondly called the baby of the family. His parents were deeply respected figures in the Honolulu community.
His father, George Shoichi “Dado” Shimabuku, later developed Alzheimer’s and dementia. Ross chose to move back home to help his mother, Gladys, with daily care. That selfless decision became the defining moment of his personal story.
His siblings all live in Hawaii and contributed to the family caregiving effort. His brother Eric and three sisters, Karen, Sandy, and Lisa, supported him throughout. The extended family also includes several nieces, nephews, and a great-niece.
Is Ross Shimabuku Married?
Ross Shimabuku is not married as of 2026. He has maintained a long-term relationship with his partner, Nohea. The couple keeps their personal life away from public attention.
He rarely discusses his romantic life in interviews or on social media. Family announcements formally recognize him and Nohea together as a couple. Their bond has remained steady through his major career and life transitions.
Those who know him describe him as deeply family-oriented and private. His focus has always been on his parents, siblings, and close personal circle. Marriage has not been publicly announced or confirmed at any point.
Ross Shimabuku Partner Nohea
Nohea has been a steady presence in Ross Shimabuku’s life for years. She stood by his side during his return to Hawaii and caregiving years. Their relationship is recognized in formal family records and community announcements.
Ross has never spoken extensively about Nohea in public interviews. He keeps her away from the spotlight as a matter of personal respect. That protective approach reflects his overall attitude toward his private life.
Despite limited public details, their partnership is well established locally. When family milestones are acknowledged, the two are always listed together. Nohea remains an important figure in Ross Shimabuku’s personal world in 2026.
Ross Shimabuku Departure from KHON2: What We Know
Ross Shimabuku wrapped up his time at KHON2 News in June 2023. His five-year morning broadcast run came to a natural and respectful close. The departure was entirely amicable with no controversy involved.
The demanding schedule of a morning anchor eventually became unsustainable long-term. Waking up in the middle of the night every day took a physical toll. Moving into a stable daytime role offered a healthier daily routine for him.
His transition into healthcare communications was a carefully planned career move. The Queen’s Health Systems gave him a platform that matched his community values. He left KHON2 with a strong legacy and deep viewer appreciation across Hawaii.
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Ross Shimabuku Career Timeline: Major Landmarks in Mainland and National Sports Broadcasting
Ross Shimabuku spent seventeen years building his name across U.S. broadcasting markets. He moved steadily from local Hawaiian sports coverage to national television. Each step forward reflected his discipline and professional skill.
His career path covered four major television stations across four different cities. He rose from entry-level sports reporter to national news anchor over two decades. That progression represents one of the strongest broadcasting careers in Hawaiian media history.
Career Milestones
- Started at KGMB in Honolulu as a local sports anchor in the 1990s.
- Joined KTVK Phoenix in 2001 as Sports Director and Weeknight Anchor.
- Covered the 2001 World Series in his very first year on the mainland.
- Moved to KSWB Fox 5 San Diego in 2009 as primary Sports Director.
- Managed NFL, MLB, and collegiate sports beats across Southern California.
- Joined Al Jazeera America in New York City in 2013 as a national anchor.
- Reported from four Super Bowls and the NCAA Final Four during his career.
- Returned to Hawaii and joined KHON2 as morning co-anchor in May 2018.
- Left KHON2 in June 2023 after five years on the Wake Up 2day broadcast.
- Currently works at The Queen’s Health Systems in Honolulu as of 2026.
Why the Native Hawaiian Journalist Left the Mainland for Honolulu?
Ross Shimabuku left a successful mainland career for one deeply personal reason. His father, George, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Returning home to help his family became more important than any career opportunity.
He moved back into his childhood home in Kaimuki to share caregiving duties. His mother, Gladys, needed daily support that the family took on together. Ross chose that responsibility without hesitation or public complaint.
The morning news shift at KHON2 fit his caregiving schedule almost perfectly. Finishing work by midday freed his afternoons for cooking meals and managing medical appointments. That practical balance allowed him to honor both his career and his family at the same time.
Returning to Hawaii: Ross Shimabuku Impactful Run on KHON2 Wake Up 2day
Ross Shimabuku joined KHON2’s Wake Up 2day as co-anchor in May 2018. He brought energy and experience from seventeen years in major mainland markets. His on-screen chemistry with co-anchor Kristine Uyeno quickly won over local audiences.
The morning broadcast ran for four and a half hours every single weekday. Ross Shimabuku handled breaking news, lifestyle features, and community interviews with equal confidence. Viewers across the islands responded warmly to his natural and approachable style.
He used the platform to launch health and eldercare segments with real community impact. His personal experience as a caregiver gave those segments genuine emotional weight. By the time he left in 2023, he had redefined what local morning news could look like.
The Kupuna Caregiver Segment: A Personal Mission for Hawaii’s Seniors
The Kupuna Caregiver segment aired on the first Monday of every month on KHON2. Ross Shimabuku hosted this feature to help families navigate the challenges of elder care. It became one of the most emotionally resonant segments in the station’s morning lineup.
He invited local medical professionals and nonprofit organizations onto the show regularly. Groups like Gimme a Break and services like CareSift for Seniors were featured. The segments connected real families to practical resources available across the Hawaiian islands.
Ross drew directly from his own experience caring for his father to fuel these stories. That authenticity made viewers trust him in a way that scripted journalism rarely achieves. The Kupuna Caregiver segment remains a lasting part of his professional legacy in Hawaii.
A Look Back at Ross Shimabuku 20-Year Television Career
Ross Shimabuku spent over two decades shaping his identity as a broadcast journalist. He moved through local, regional, and national television with steady professional growth. His career arc is one of the more complete in Hawaiian media history.
He began by covering local sports in Honolulu before earning his way to the mainland. Phoenix, San Diego, and New York City each added a new layer to his professional profile. Every market taught him something that he eventually brought back home to Hawaii.
His return to Honolulu in 2018 marked the most meaningful chapter of his career. Ross Shimabuku used local television to serve his community in a deeply personal way. The twenty years leading up to that moment made the final chapter possible.
Ross Shimabuku Most Memorable Broadcast Moments
The 2001 World Series stands as the defining moment of Ross Shimabuku’s sports career. He covered the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees series just weeks after September 11. That assignment required both journalistic skill and emotional maturity under enormous national pressure.
He anchored live coverage from four different Super Bowls throughout his career. Each one demanded high-pressure performance in front of massive nationwide audiences. Those experiences built the broadcast confidence that carried him through decades of live television.
On a lighter note, Hawaii viewers fondly remember his spontaneous on-air personality. He occasionally broke into song during Wake Up 2day, which endeared him to local audiences. That warmth and humor made him one of the most beloved morning personalities in Hawaiian television history.
Ross Shimabuku Net Worth and Professional Achievements
Ross Shimabuku built his financial standing over more than twenty years of steady broadcast work. His career spanned local, regional, and national television markets across the United States. Digital media valuation tools estimate his net worth somewhere between one and three million dollars.
Those figures reflect years of top-tier anchor contracts in competitive markets. His national role at Al Jazeera America and his long KHON2 tenure both contributed meaningfully. His current corporate communications role at The Queen’s Health Systems adds further professional stability.
Net Worth and Achievements Overview
| Category | Detail |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million – $3 million (estimated, unverified) |
| Primary Income Source | 20+ years of broadcast anchor and director salaries |
| Major Market Contracts | Phoenix, San Diego, New York City |
| National TV Premium | Al Jazeera America national anchor role |
| Local Flagship Contract | KHON2 Wake Up 2day co-anchor (2018–2023) |
| Entertainment Residuals | The West Wing acting credit (Derek Wentworth) |
| Current Role Income | Corporate Communications, The Queen’s Health Systems |
| Community Achievement | Kupuna Caregiver segment, KHON2 |
| Industry Recognition | 25+ years of uninterrupted broadcast media work |
| Career Legacy | Healthcare journalism and eldercare advocacy in Hawaii |
Covering the Big Leagues: KTVK Phoenix, Fox 5 San Diego, and Al Jazeera America
Ross Shimabuku arrived in Phoenix in 2001 and immediately made his presence known. He rose to Sports Director at KTVK and anchored the station’s nightly sports coverage for eight years. His very first year on the mainland included covering the historic 2001 World Series.
He then moved to San Diego and took over as Sports Director at KSWB Fox 5. His work there covered the Padres, the Chargers, and Pac-12 collegiate athletics every week. Sunday night sports wrap-up specials became a signature part of his Fox 5 work.
In 2013, he made his biggest career leap by joining Al Jazeera America in New York City. He anchored national sports blocks and introduced real-time social media viewer segments on live television. That national platform gave Ross Shimabuku the broadest audience of his entire career.
The Transition from Sports Journalism to Flagship Morning News Anchor
Shifting from sports director to morning news anchor was a major professional adjustment for Ross. Evening sports schedules meant late nights, while morning news demanded waking before sunrise every day. That lifestyle flip required a full reset of his daily routine and broadcast approach.
Sports anchoring relies on game highlights, analysis, and scripted, energy-filled segments. Morning news required him to pivot instantly between breaking stories, weather, and casual lifestyle content. Ross Shimabuku adapted to that range quickly and made it look effortless on screen.
The transition was driven by family purpose rather than career ambition alone. The early morning shift freed his afternoons to spend at home with his parents. That practical alignment between work schedule and personal responsibility made the move exactly right for him.
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Where Is Ross Shimabuku Working Now in 2026?
As of 2026, Ross Shimabuku works full-time at The Queen’s Health Systems in Honolulu. He serves in a corporate communications and content creation role for the organization. His broadcast background makes him a natural fit for producing health-focused media content.
He writes, scripts, and hosts video spotlights that cover medical topics for the public. His content covers areas like robotic lung cancer screenings and advanced spine care treatments. These features help residents understand complex medical information in clear and simple terms.
Ross Shimabuku also collaborates with local television affiliates, including HI Now Daily. He appears in segments featuring Queen’s Health specialists on public health topics. His current work reflects the same community-first values that defined his years in local television.
Last Words
Ross Shimabuku represents a rare kind of media professional in today’s landscape. He consistently chose personal integrity and family responsibility over career prestige. That approach earned him a level of public trust that few local journalists ever reach.
His story is still unfolding in 2026 through his work at The Queen’s Health Systems. He continues using broadcast storytelling to educate and serve the Hawaiian community every day. Ross Shimabuku remains one of the most respected names in Hawaiian media history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ross Shimabuku right now?
He works at The Queen’s Health Systems in Honolulu, Hawaii, creating healthcare media content.
Why did Ross Shimabuku leave KHON2?
He left in June 2023 to pursue a more sustainable schedule in corporate healthcare communications.
Is Ross Shimabuku still on TV in Hawaii?
He no longer anchors daily news but appears in health segments with local TV affiliates like HI Now Daily.
What is Ross Shimabuku doing in 2026?
He produces and hosts medical community spotlights for The Queen’s Health Systems in Honolulu.
Who was Ross Shimabuku co-anchor at KHON2?
His co-anchor on Wake Up 2day was Kristine Uyeno throughout his five-year run at the station.
Was Ross Shimabuku on a national TV network?
Yes, he anchored for Al Jazeera America in New York City from 2013 until the network closed.
Did Ross Shimabuku appear in any TV shows?
He had an acting cameo on The West Wing, playing a reporter character named Derek Wentworth.
What sports events did Ross Shimabuku cover?
He covered four Super Bowls, the NCAA Final Four, and the historic 2001 World Series in Phoenix.
Is Ross Shimabuku from Hawaii?
Yes, he was born and raised in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
What is Ross Shimabuku educational background?
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Arizona State University before choosing broadcast journalism.
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