Hopena Pokipala was a Kamehameha graduate, waterman, longshoreman, small-business owner, devoted husband, and a light in his community. Raised throughout Hawaiʻi with a deep understanding of ʻohana and kuleana, Hopena spent his life showing up for others. Whether mentoring young athletes, lending a hand to a neighbor, or simply sharing his infectious smile, he lived with Aloha in everything he did.

HOPENA Foundation was created to honor his spirit and continue his legacy. We support Hawaiʻi's high school youth as they pursue paths in ocean-related careers, entrepreneurship, and trades while staying rooted in the values Hopena embodied: humility, gratitude, integrity, wisdom, and boundless love.

Through scholarships and community programs, we're investing in young people who, like Hopena, lead with kindness, help whoever needs it, and carry aloha forward into the world.

Our Mission: The HOPENA Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the spirit and values of HOPENA by empowering youth through scholarships and community engagement to pursue goals aligned with their heritage and aspirations. The essence of Aloha embodies staying deeply connected to family and community, fostering environmental stewardship and a profound bond with the land, and honoring the wisdom and traditions of Hawaiian watermen and water women.

For those who feel called to give, this is a space to contribute to Hopena's enduring impact, empowering the next generation to live with purpose, service, and joy, just as he did.

Me Ke Aloha,

HOPENA Foundation

Honoring Hopena's Legacy