Justin Paul Kealapono Hill attended Belmont University, Nashville, TN, where he studied Philosophy and Music Business.  He later continued his education studying Hawaiian Studies and earning an AA in 2018 at Leeward Community College, Waianae, HI, and Windward Community College, Kaneohe, HI.  Justin studied Political Science at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu graduating in 2019 with a BA in Social Sciences with a concentration in Political Science (with distinction).  He studied Indigenous Education at Arizona State University graduating with a MA in 2021. 

At the time of death, he was working on his PhD. Justin started his writing career at The Britt-News Tribune as Sports Editor, he ultimately was sought out by The Hampton Chronicle for a position there as Managing Sports Editor. Justin won several awards from The Iowa Newspaper Association for his personal interest stories and photography. Justin's sports were published throughout the Hancock County area in the Forest City Summit, the Garner Leader and the Kanawha Reporter.  He continued to write after his time in newspapers and was currently co-writing a book on the Hawaiian Kingdom.

At the time of his death, Justin was executive Assistant to Dr. Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy, the Vice President of Social Advancement/Senior Advisor to President Michael M. Crow president's Professor at Arizona State University (November 2021-Present). 

He was an executive assistant for the Journal of the Native American Indigenous Student Association (NAISA).  He was the managing editor at the Journal of American Indian Education-ASU (June 2021-Present)

He was a Board Member of Malama Makua, on the Leeward Coast of O'ahu, near the foothills of the Waianae mountains, Waianae, Hawaii.

Justin is survived by his wife, Tammy Jane Hill; two daughters; two sons; two grandchildren; his parents, Earl and Marlys Hill of Britt, IA; his mother-in-law; his father-in-law; a sister; a brother; a nephew; a niece and many other extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Justin Hill was held on May 13, 2023.