HI HOPES Initiative

✨ March 2026 HI H.O.P.E.S Youth Leadership Board Summit filled mind and body, What unfolded this weekend went far beyond connection—it was rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and real growth.

As board members and advisors, we created space to be open with one another—sharing not just our strengths, but also our challenges, perspectives, and visions. Through that transparency, we strengthened trust and built a deeper sense of closeness that will continue to guide how we lead and support our youth.

Together, we grounded ourselves in the ʻāina of Kauaʻi 🌿—calling Camp Makanalani our home for the weekend, embracing the beauty around us, and allowing the land to hold space for reflection, healing, and intention.

From working in the loʻi to learning and growing side by side, every moment reminded us that leadership is not just about service—it’s about relationship, accountability, and showing up fully for one another.

We leave this summit more connected, more aligned, and more committed than ever—to each other, to our community, and to the purpose we carry forward.

We paused. We reflected. Now we rise. 🌺 ✨HI H.O.P.E.S. is back—and we’re louder, prouder, and more rooted than ever. From Pilina Circles to sibling events, national convenings to legacy celebrations… youth voice is leading the way. 💬🌈 💰 $96K+ in matched assets 📍 521 youth served 👥 3,421 adults engaged 🎉 15 years of impact —and we’re just getting started. This isn’t just a comeback. It’s a movement.

2024: Kaua’i HI H.O.P.E.S. Board Year in Review 🌟

In 2024, they soared so high,
Kaua’i HI H.O.P.E.S. reaching the sky. Our Youth Leadership Board, so strong and true,
Supporting the community in all that we do. 🌺

Olympic Day brought joy and cheer. Young and old, we gathered near. Foster care youth and providers too,
A day of fun, education, and bonding grew. 🏅🎉

Imua Kākou turned ten last year, with Hale ‘Ōpio, we gave a cheer. A decade of growth, success in sight. Celebrating milestones, hearts so light. 🎂🎊

Winter Sibling Event was pure delight. Hot cocoa, gifts, and smiles so bright. Siblings united, families in tow,
At Kaua’i Community College, love did flow. ❄️🎁☕️

As we look ahead to 2025,
Our spirits are high, our dreams alive. Educating, advocating, collaborating too,
Together we’ll achieve, there’s so much to do. 🚀✨

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

In their quest to , , and , the West Hawai'i Board loves to as well.

For West Hawai'i, 2024 was truly a year that showcased their creativity and their passion to provide unique opportunities for young people in foster care to interact, connect, play, and learn.

Huge mahalo to our collaborative 'ohana on the west side, including Lili'uokalani Trust, The Salvation Army-Family Intervention Services, Hennasphere, Apani Artistry, and the many members of our community that donated their time and input to making all our events a huge success!

1: Makahiki Festival in January 2024
2: Operation Graduation in May 2024
3: Imua Kākou 10-Year Anniversary Celebration in June 2024
4: Sibling Birthday Bash in June 2024
5: West Hawai'i HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board

We are looking forward to more innovation in 2025!

And you can help us by answering the following question: What is something youth in care (ages 14+) or those ages 18-26 would find helpful? (It could be an event, items, information--we are open to any and all ideas!)