Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui hosts Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike Family Engagement Night

Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui hosted its first-ever Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike Family Engagement Night at the Maui Nui Botanical Garden. Rooted in the Hawaiian ʻŌlelo Noʻeau meaning, “through work, one learns,” the evening brought families together through ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Native Hawaiian cultural education, and hands-on experiences.

The gathering brought together nearly 100 youths and their families, cultural practitioners, and volunteers together for meaningful, hands-on experiences aimed to strengthen connections to Hawaiʻi culture, identity, mālama ʻāina, language, and the responsibility of being stewards of their community.

Families participated in a variety of cultural experiences throughout the evening, including lauhala weaving, Makahiki games, hula, oli (chant), ʻukulele and mele, ʻohe kāpala bamboo stamping, and ʻŌlelo Bingo. Club youth also had the opportunity to share their ʻŌlelo Hoʻolauna, introducing themselves and where they come from, creating a meaningful pathway to connect through language and culture.

“This event was especially meaningful because it brought our members, families, and community together to strengthen relationships and celebrate the Hawaiian knowledge and traditions that connect us to who we are,” said Iokepa Naeʻole, Program Services Coordinator with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui.

“Creating opportunities for our keiki to learn, experience, and practice these traditions helps ensure they are carried forward. It gives the next generation a stronger connection to Hawaiʻi, their culture, and their community, while inspiring them to become stewards of that legacy.”

For the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, this inaugural event marks an important step in the organization’s commitment to incorporating Hawaiian cultural practices throughout its clubs. The event highlighted the impact of bringing youth and families together to learn, participate in cultural traditions, and strengthen their connection to Hawai’i.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui and its programs, or to learn how you can support Maui’s youth through volunteering, community partnerships, or donations, visit bgcmaui.org.