The mission of Hoʻōla Music and Cultural Arts is to provide mentorship to Hawai’i’s youth through community belonging, experientially connecting keiki to kupuna through Hawaiian values. Since its founding in 2016, Hoʻōla has targeted keiki (children 7-12) & ʻōpio (youth 13-18) from racial and ethnic groups that are currently underrepresented in leadership positions within our communities, particularly Native Hawaiians. Oftentimes the first thing removed from our educational system is the arts programs, which give youth an outlet to be creative and connect to something deeper inside of themselves, to become well rounded human beings. The youth of Hawai’i are gifted musically, and Hoʻōla desires to provide opportunities to connect to their gifts building confidence.

· The majority of our funding received from AmaOluKai Foundation goes to fund Fall Intersession, “He Hawaiʻi Kākou: He Pilina 2024” in Hilo, HI from October 7-11. We have 22 youth grades 6-11, from both Private, Public and Immersions schools participating. Hoʻōla is fortunate to be partnerning with Kamehameha Schools, Keaʻau and we will be observing the ʻāina of Laehala in Keaukaha using Mele and Moʻolelo and an original ʻoli written for Hoʻōla.