Akakūʻs April salon features author of ʻBig Hearts on a Little Islandʻ author Victoria Moore. The book shares the uplifting story of the Maui community's heroic response to the 2023 wildfires. A 250-page archive of stories and photos that recounts the heartwarming ways that community members on Maui stepped up to help. Victoria, an experienced author, spent a year interviewing nearly 200 community helpers to weave together the thirteen chapters. All proceeds go to rebuilding the Lahaina Public Library. Victoria will present a slideshow and be joined by featured book subjects.

Victoria Moore is an author, filmmaker, and educator with a specialization in relief and development efforts around the world. She began her career working with refugee children in East Africa where she became passionate about uncovering how we can more effectively help those in need. Her film series, Beyond Good Intentions, investigates the subject of aid effectiveness in eight different countries, while her first book, Beyond Good Intentions: A Journey Into the Realities of International Aid (Seal Press, 2012), advocates for a more dignified and respectful approach to helping.

Victoria has witnessed the power of grassroots efforts in communities around the world, but never before had she seen anything as inspiring as what she witnessed here on Maui after the 2023 fires. While her various projects have taken her to every continent and over ninety countries, Victoria is proud to call Maui home, where she resides with her husband and two children.

Akakū Upstairs salons are offered on the third Thursday of each month in Suite 204. The event is free, but registration is required. Doors open at 5:45pm with the salon starting promptly at 6pm and ending at 7:30pm. Seating is limited! Register at https://bit.ly/AprilSalonRegistration, akaku.org, or call 808-871-5554.

Akakū Upstairs is a community outreach program designed to bring Maui Nui together in person to share, learn, and be inspired by local stories, elevating community and conversation. 

Akakū is Maui Countyʻs only public community television station and media center, programming three local cable channels, 53, 54 & 55 and distributed worldwide onVOD and the mobile app, Maui Stream.