120 Years of Sakada: Maui Filipino community looks to the next chapter at The Filipino Forum 2026

One hundred and twenty years ago, the first Sakada workers arrived in Hawaiʻi, beginning a chapter of Filipino migration that would profoundly shape the islands’ workforce, culture, families, and communities.

This year, The Filipino Forum invites Maui’s Filipino community and the broader public to look beyond that history—and ask what comes next.

The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, together with community partners, will present The Filipino Forum 2026: “Change, not just resilience” on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Naylor Theatre at Maui Academy of Performing Arts in Wailuku.

Marking the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the Sakada in Hawaiʻi, this year’s Forum builds on last year’s conversations about resilience and asks a different question: What if resilience is not the destination, but the strength that allows us to create something different?

“For generations, Filipinos have proven that we can endure. We’ve adapted, survived, and kept moving forward,” said Grace Sales, president of the Maui Filipino Chamber. “But resilience should not mean that we simply accept the way things are. This year, we’re asking ourselves: What needs to change? Who has the power to change it? And what role will each of us play?”

The four-hour program will feature three main segments, each exploring change from a different perspective:

THE MODERN SAKADA: 120 Years of Work, Migration & Opportunity

The Forum opens by looking back at the Sakada generation and forward to the Filipino experience today. The Modern Sakada brings together community leaders and descendants of Sakadas to explore how the Filipino experience in Hawaiʻi has evolved across generations—from plantation labor and immigrant dreams to leadership, professional achievement, entrepreneurship, public service, and community building.

The conversation will ask what has changed over 120 years, what has not changed enough, and what it means to be a “Sakada” in today’s world. Most importantly, panelists will consider what lessons, values, and unfinished work the next generation will inherit.

SUKA: AGENT OF CHANGE

Food takes center stage in a special talk-story and culinary demonstration featuring Chef Leah Jullianni “Jules” Rodriguez, Sous Chef at Aurum Maui.

Born and raised in Davao City, Philippines, Chef Jules moved to Hawaiʻi in 2010 and has built her culinary career on Maui. She studied Culinary Arts at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College and was the recipient of the Tylun Pang Aspiring Chef Scholarship, which led to an internship and four years of mentorship and culinary development at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.

For The Filipino Forum, Chef Jules will demonstrate sinuglaw, a Filipino dish combining sinugba (grilled food) and kinilaw (seafood cured in vinegar). As she assembles the dish, interviewers will talk story with Jules about her journey from the Philippines to Maui, the mentors who shaped her, her approach to modern Filipino cuisine, and her vision for bringing Filipino food to new audiences.

Samples of the finished sinuglaw will be available for attendees.

Chef Jules’ appearance also highlights this year’s Filipino Food Week, with Aurum Maui and Tante’s Island Cuisine participating by featuring suka (vinegar) as the star ingredient in their special dishes. Together, they celebrate the versatility of vinegar while showcasing how Filipino flavors and traditions continue to evolve in Hawaiʻi.

MAKING MOVES: Refusing to Accept the Status Quo

The Forum closes with a conversation about what it actually takes to create change.

This panel features Filipino leaders who have challenged the status quo, taken calculated risks, created opportunities, and turned ideas into action. Rather than simply celebrating success, the panel will explore the decisions, setbacks, risks, and moments of uncertainty behind the moves that changed their lives and communities.

The conversation will also examine how Filipino upbringing, family expectations, cultural values, and the immigrant experience shape the way people approach opportunity and risk.

The Filipino Forum 2026 is open to the public. Community members, descendants of Sakadas, Filipino immigrants, families, business leaders, students, and anyone interested in Hawaiʻi’s Filipino story are invited to attend.

THE FILIPINO FORUM 2026

• Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 4–8 p.m.  
• Naylor Theatre at Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA)  
• Wailuku, Maui

Space is limited. Registration is $50 ($40 for Chamber members) and additional information are available at mauifilipinochamber.com. For inquiries, email mauifilipinocc@gmail.com.

In celebration of Filipino American History Month, The Filipino Forum returns to bring together community leaders, and changemakers for an evening of meaningful conversation and connection.