Hoʻoulu Hoʻōla Kaiāulu Hilo

Hoʻoulu Hoʻōla is a community-centered, ʻohana-based event that brings together families from across Oʻahu to celebrate ʻike Hawaiʻi, youth leadership, and collective well-being through hands-on cultural learning experiences.

ʻOhana will participate in a variety of hana noʻeau, including:

• Traditional instrument making
• Cultural crafts
• Hoʻoikaika kino
• Hoʻokani ʻukulele

These activities create opportunities for intergenerational learning, ʻike transmission, and relationship-building.

A central outcome of Hoʻoulu Hoʻōla is the development and elevation of youth voice and leadership. Youth will lead performances and presentations, sharing original mele alongside mele learned through cultural training, and will present visual art rooted in their lived experiences. These opportunities strengthen confidence, communication skills, cultural identity, and a sense of kuleana to ʻohana and community.

The event also advances culturally grounded STEAM learning, featuring Hawaiian-centered science storybooks, hands-on science activities, and a “meet the scientist” experience that introduces families to ʻike-based STEAM pathways. These activities support early exposure to education and career possibilities while reinforcing the connection between ʻike Hawaiʻi and contemporary learning.

Through collaboration with local community organizations, Hoʻoulu Hoʻōla provides a holistic, welcoming space that supports ʻohana engagement, youth development, and community connection. This event aligns with Kamehameha Kaiaulu priorities by strengthening ʻohana, fostering ʻike-based education, elevating youth leadership, and building community resilience.

For Kaiaulu communities, Hoʻoulu Hoʻōla matters because it creates accessible spaces where culture, learning, and ʻohana thrive together—nurturing the next generation to grow with confidence, purpose, and deep connection to their community.