Ikaika was born and raised in Kailua, Oahu, and graduated from Kailua High School. Inspired by the events of 9/11, Ikaika enlisted right out of high school and served 8 years as a US Army Infantryman, with two combat deployments to Iraq. Upon completing his service, Ikaika returned home and went on to earn his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology.
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Prior to entering politics, Ikaika worked extensively with the homeless in Honolulu, first with Waikiki Health and then with the Department of Education's Office of Education of Homeless Children and Youth. Ikaika wanted to bring his passion and extensive expertise in the fields of Homelessness, Crime, Education and Housing to the Hawaii State House of Representatives.
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Ikaika is happily married to his wife of eleven years, Tracy, and blessed with two boys, Alika (7) and Tai (5), who both attend Maryknoll.