Ala Kukui

Project:

Hana Ku and Noenoe Nights

Region: Hawai’I, Pacific
Grant Awarded: 2022
Visit Ala Kukui on the Web here

Founded in 2002, Ala Kukui (Path of Enlightenment) is a community-based nonprofit utilizing its retreat property in Hana, Maui to deliver place-based programming for the people of Hana. Ala Kukui programs nurture and promote Native Hawaiian cultural and intellectual advancement by elevating the traditional place-based practices that enhance our kaiaulu o Hana (Hana community) and our lahui Hawaii (people of Hawaii). Our mission is to create empowering experiences, work to evolve into a place of belonging, inspire a collective community, connect through storytelling, and strive to grow a kulaiwi that is sustainable for generations.

 In 2022 Ala Kukui will serve community participants through the Hana Ku and Noenoe Nights Program who are interested in delving deeper into the issues that we face in families and the wider community. During past Noenoe Nights and Hana Ku events, Ala Kukui observed a desire to explore underlying issues in the community including: importance of keeping tradition and cultural practices alive, what it means to be a provider for one's ohana in uncertain times, addressing insecurities and building confidence in both men and women, celebrating women and highlighting opportunities for them in the community.