Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke
The mission of Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke is to provide the youth of Hāna, Maui, with a way to learn that makes sense to them, that builds their self-esteem and shows them they have the power to change their future.
Their programs offer dynamic, hands-on learning activities that nurture their participants' success — in education and in life — while contributing to healthy families and a vibrant local community. Their award-winning, community-based approach empowers youth through hands-on training in building skills, environmental literacy, Hawaiʻian culture, food security, and cultural health.
In 2021, through the support of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke launched the Mālama i Nā Hulu Kūpuna initiative. Through this initiative, Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke facilitates opportunities for Hāna’s youth to provides services to mālama Hāna’s cherished kupuna (elders), including:
- ensuring that the kupuna have safe and accessible homes;
- providing superior nutrition with home deliveries of local and traditional foods; and
- fostering physical activity and social engagement through meaningful ʻāina and culture-based activities.
The initiative served 196 kūpuna, 89% of whom are of Native Hawaiian descent.
Photograph: Although Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke's Building Program specializes in modern construction techniques, they have gained tremendous knowledge by working with cultural experts to learn traditional Hawaiian methods of thatched, hale building. Now, they are able to provide support to community members in need of restoring and preserving these practices and structures throughout Hāna.