How Mana Maoli Got Started and Why

Mana Maoli (MM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit driven by a collective of educators, Creative Industry professionals, cultural practitioners, families, and the ʻopio (youth) we serve. The organization shares a common vision of empowerment through three primary means: community-based education and awareness, pooling and sharing of resources, and promoting environmental and economic sustainability at both individual and community levels.

MM founded Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School in 2001 to provide culturally grounded education and has since grown to include a variety of programs aimed at community empowerment. In 2002, the Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy, a sailing canoe program, was established to offer experiential learning based on traditional Hawaiian navigation and voyaging practices.

In the same period, MM launched the Maoli Music Program, a volunteer-driven initiative designed to nurture musical talent and cultural expression. This program evolved into the Mana Mele Project in 2013, significantly expanding its reach and impact.

Mana Mele Today

Today, the Mana Mele Project provides services to thousands of youth from 23 partner schools across four islands, emphasizing academic and cultural excellence in music and the Creative Industries. The project primarily serves low-income Native Hawaiian youth and young adults aged 5-25, welcoming participants of all abilities, from beginners to those with intermediate to advanced skills.

The Mana Mele Project continues to meet increasing demand with innovative initiatives such as Kanipila, which offers youth the chance to develop their music skills in a fun, informal jam session setting alongside artists, alumni, and peers. MMYC/KC Community Events allow youth and young adults to showcase their talents by participating in choirs or all-star bands based on their interests and strengths. Additionally, an Online Hōʻike contest provides a platform for youth, alumni, and musicians and storytellers of all ages to share their talents and creativity online.

Despite our focus on supporting Hawaiian Public Charter Schools on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi islands, the recent wildfires in West Maui in 2023 prompted us to extend our efforts to this island. We organized several successful schoolwide Hōʻike & Concerts in Maui. The first, held at Maui High School in September, included 1,500 students, among them displaced Lahainaluna students. It was their first school-wide assembly since the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently fundraising to offer year-long after-school and elective music and video production classes, as well as additional Hōʻike & Concerts, to all West Maui public schools.

Mana Mele’s Challenge

Mana Maoli has experienced notable growth in the last few years and now finds itself at an opportune time. However, many funding sources prioritize new projects over ongoing programs, which presents an additional challenge as we seek to maintain and expand our established initiatives. This makes it crucial to secure new financial support to continue our mission of community empowerment and cultural preservation. We are in a period of uncertainty as we await decisions on funding opportunities needed to sustain our growth.

About Mana Maoli