Ilima Loomis
Ilima Loomis is a writer and journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Popular Science, Discover, Alaska Beyond Magazine, Hawai’i Magazine, Nature Conservancy Magazine, and more. She is also the author of several books.
Ilima started her career as a newspaper reporter, back when news came on actual paper. She was a longtime staff writer for The Maui News, where she won awards for her community journalism. She served as managing editor for Spirituality & Health magazine before becoming a freelance science writer.
Born and raised in Hawai’i, Ilima now lives in chilly Vancouver, Canada, where she enjoys exploring the continent by train. She is a member of the Rail Passengers Association and supports its mission of improving and expanding passenger train service, including high-speed rail.
When she’s not writing, Ilima enjoys a cup of tea and a good book. She is learning to love hockey.
Jim Loomis (1937-2024)
Jim Loomis started this site so he could share his knowledge and love of train travel, which he described as “the only civilized way that’s left for us ordinary folks to see this or any other country.” Over many decades, he traveled almost every long-distance trip on Amtrak and Via Rail, many of them multiple times, as well as numerous other routes, including the Orient Express, the Trans-Siberian Railway, and the Ghan.
He is the author of All Aboard! The Complete North American Train Travel Guide. His travel writing has appeared in publications like the Dallas Morning News, the Columbus Dispatch, International Living, and more. He is also the author of the books Fascinating Facts About Hawai’i and Travel Tales.
A longtime member of the RPA board of directors, Jim was a passionate advocate for increasing funding for passenger rail. Please consider making a donation in his memory.
Jim lived in Hai’ku, Maui, and was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. Go Sox!