The Ama OluKai Foundation is proud to introduce our 2023 beneficiaries
Hawaiian Lifeguard Association
The HLA is a 501 (c)(3) association incorporated in the state of Hawai‘i that seeks to establish and maintain the highest standards of professional surf and open water lifesaving. Their vision is to maximize the safety of the public in ocean and coastal waters throughout the state of Hawai‘i, provide public, professional and governmental education in the field of ocean safety. Every summer, the HLA conducts rigorous training competitions for over 200 Junior Lifeguards between the ages of 12-17 years of age. The focus is on ocean awareness, education, open surf rescues, water rescues, first aid, CPR and critical problem solving.
Kauluakalana
Founded in 2019, Kauluakalana is a community-based, non-profit organization in Kailua, Oahu. Traveling in the wake of those who came before, our mission is to restore and grow healthy relationships between people and place through the aloha ʻāina (land-loving) practices of retelling our Kailua-specific stories, replanting and eating our ancestral foods, and caring for the sacred sites, lands, and waters of our beloved ahupuaʻa of Kailua.
Maui Nui Makai Network
Founded in 2013 by seven community group members and three partner organizations in Maui County, MNMN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit made up of local stewards who care for the ocean and people in a way that honors Hawaii’s natural and cultural heritage while restoring its’ healthy ecosystems. Their Network recognizes communities as inherent leaders in improving Hawaii’s marine resource management thru collaborative partnerships and solutions.
Kipuka Olowalu
Founded in 1999 by a group of individuals who were intent on protecting cultural resources through traditional Hawaiian practices, our mission is to perpetuate the tradition and customary practices of kanaka maoli of these Hawai’i Islands while promoting opportunities to regain the spiritual connection of hanai ‘āina of our ancestors by ensuring these beliefs and customs are passed down to future generations.
‘Imiloa
Founded in 2006, the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is a world-class museum and planetarium. The center is located on the UH Hilo campus and focuses on showcasing scientific discoveries within the framework of native Hawaiian traditions of navigation and exploration.
Na Kama Kai
Nā Kama Kai is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to empower youth by conducting ocean-based programs. Ocean safety and conservation awareness clinics service the Hawaiian community statewide via interactions with professional surfers, watermen, lifeguards, firefighters, marine scientists, cultural practitioners, and ocean rescue instructors. These clinics provide a positive, nurturing and controlled environment enabling keiki (kids 2-17 years) to become confident in the ocean. Keiki from all ethnic origins and economic backgrounds learn to embrace their kuleana (responsibility) as caretakers of marine ecosystems that must be nurtured for future generations.
Polynesian Voyaging Society
Founded as a non-profit organization in 1973, the Polynesian Voyaging Society seeks to perpetuate the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging. The organization supports the spirit of exploration through educational experiences that inspire students and their communities to respect and care for themselves, one another, and their natural and cultural environments. A key sponsorship of the organization is the Hōkūle‘a, a lashed canoe which travels around the world sharing the message of caring for Island Earth.
Huli
A non-profit collective of ocean-based individuals who promote cultural awareness and environmental stewardship to next generation students through innovative outdoor education programs and hands-on conservation work.
Hui Aloha Aina Momona
Since 2011, Hui Aloha Aina Momona has dedicated itself to preparing, equipping and educating Hawaiians for subsistence lifestyle around traditional diet and practices in the modern times. We hold board and stone making workshops across the islands, teach taro pounding to students, families and organizations, held natural farming workshops, support local farmers.
Ho’ola Music & Cultural Arts
Ho’ola Music & Cultural Arts - Is a 501c3 non-profit Hawaiian mentorship program delivering music, education and services to underprivileged youth.
Kapena School of Music
Music inspires creativity, encourages mental health and wellness, gives individuals passion and purpose, and nurtures the young minds of our youth. The Kapena School of Music is a 501(c)3 nonprofit music program based in Kane‘ohe, Hawai‘i. Our mission is to inspire the growth and leadership of the youth in Hawai‘i, and to ensure the well-being of our community through creative expression.
Huliauapa’a
Founded in 2012, Huliauapa’a is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose purpose is to educate and empower students, communities and professionals on the stewardship of wahi kupuna (ancestral places) in Hawai’i. Huliauapa’a collaborates with various community groups, educational institutions, landowners and archaeological firms to orovide education, training ands assistance in the preservation, stewardship and management of cultural and historical sites throughout Hawai’i.
Duke Kahanamoku Foundation
The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to financially support the development of Hawaii’s keiki and organizations that perpetuate the spirit and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku. ODKF provides support to Hawaii’s students, teams and events that sustain the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku with a focus on the sports Duke played and loved: Swimming, Surfing, Canoe Paddling, Kayaking, Diving, Water Polo, Sailing and Volleyball.