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Lean into story. Stand in truth.
What is Kālele?
Kālele is a media training program rooted in the belief that storytelling is both a craft and a kuleana. In ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, kālele means to lean on or trust - an invitation to ground ourselves in what supports us: our community, our values, and our shared truths.
At the heart of Kālele is its guiding mission: Hoʻopaʻa Moʻolelo - a commitment to learning, holding, and honoring the stories that shape who we are. It's about more than telling stories well. It's about listening deeply, carrying moʻolelo with care, and approaching the work with intention, humility, and respect.
Through Kālele, we create space for storytellers to grow - technically, creatively, and culturally - while staying rooted in what matters most: our people, our values, and our voice.
Program Overview
Great storytelling begins with meaningful connection—and that’s exactly what the HNN & KS Kaiāulu Media Training Program is all about. Designed for emerging media-makers who are rooted in Hawai‘i, this in-person program offers hands-on training to develop your voice, sharpen your technical skills, and tell the stories that matter most to our communities. Participants will work closely with professionals from Hawai‘i News Now and Kamehameha Schools to explore the media landscape, build content that resonates, and gain real-world experience in storytelling rooted in place and purpose. Only four spots are available in our inaugural cohort. If you’re passionate about media and committed to uplifting the voices of our ‘āina and people—this is your calling.
Current Program Dates:
September 23, 2025
to January 15, 2026
Hō'ike:
January 2026
Meet Our Cohort ʻOhana Profiles - Coming Soon
We are excited to introduce the incredible individuals shaping this year’s Kālele cohort - leaders, creators, and community builders. Participant bios and stories will be shared here soon. Stay tuned!
More information
The Kālele program is rigorous and asks a lot from participants. We’re seeking individuals who recognize the depth of the experience and are ready to rise to the challenge.
This program has significant time and participation requirements. You will be required to:
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Attend all in-person classes on Oahu. Classes will be held at varied times between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program will run from September 22, 2025 through January 19, 2026.
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Participate in on-camera opportunities to share about the media training program. These stories will be featured on HI Now Daily and on social media platforms for both Hawaii News New, KS Kaiāulu, and Kamehameha Schools.
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Create and present a final project that will be showcased on Hawaii News Now and KS Kaiāulu. The project will include but not limited to:
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A media package to include a main video 3-minute story;
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90-second shareable social media asset with accompanying promotional videos or photos; and
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A related sales and marketing plan.
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Beyond technical skills, participants should understand their responsibility to apply what they learn meaningfully. We’re looking for those who will actively make use of this opportunity to contribute and create impact.