Aloha ‘ohana,

February at Humanity Hale was filled with connection, creativity, and deep moments of healing. From Valentine’s Day self-love to Mauli Ola cultural immersion, our keiki and ʻōpio were surrounded by mentors, artists, and kumu who showed up with care, guided them through healing arts, and offered steady support, reminding them that they are worthy, rooted, and deeply loved.

Read on to learn more about the special events this month.

Self-Love Valentine’s Day: Love Starts Within

Our Self-Love Valentine’s Day was a joyful, grounding celebration centered on consent, care, and choice. Humanity Hale youth participated in a thoughtfully designed day that honored their bodies, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Self-care stations included manicures, massage stations, foot soaks & scrubs, facials & face masks, hair care & styling, learning chess & mindfulness games, take-home goodie bags, and hand-served sparkling cider with a catered lunch.

The day opened with a grounding circle where we talked about what self-love means and the practices youth use to care for their well-being. The experience flowed through gentle rotations, laughter, and moments of reflection, ending with a pizza party.

Keiki and ʻōpio created Valentine’s cards for themselves, writing all the things they love about who they are. We also collaborated on a shared vision board filled with affirmations and mantras focused on caring for ourselves—mind, body, and spirit. Each youth left with a Valentine’s self-love gift bag prepared with intention, because learning to love yourself is a skill worth celebrating.

Huge Mahalo to Aunty Su’a, Aunty Kalani, Aunty Charis, Aunty Kristin, Aunty Caitlin, Aunty Jen, Aunty Hayley, Aunty Bee, Aunty Caylin, Aunty Vera, Aunty Arabella, Uncle Josh, and Uncle Zach for making this day so special! We LOVE our mentors!

Creativity, Reuse + Play

This month also brought hands-on creativity and exploration:

• Aunty Cecelia taught keiki and ʻōpio how to turn old shirts into reusable bags during a fun and meaningful arts day
• A shell-hunting adventure in preparation for a future art project
• Conversations around caring for ʻāina through creative practices like reusing materials and reducing waste

Art becomes powerful when youth see themselves as both creators and caretakers of their world.

Mauli Ola: Culture, Navigation & Moʻolelo

At Ke Kula ʻO ʻEhunuikaimalino, Mauli Ola days invited ‘ōpio into deeper ʻike through story, symbolism, and hands-on art. Using recycled materials, youth explored the moʻolelo of:

• Kalo – ancestor, sustenance, and life source
• Niu – nourishment, shelter, and survival
• ʻUlu – abundance and community
• Waʻa – migration, courage, and connection
• ʻIwa – the navigator, guiding voyagers home

Together, these elements formed a navigational canoe of story and survival, honoring ancestral knowledge while reinforcing environmental responsibility and respect for ʻāina.

Guest Artists: Mauli Ola in Motion

Kira Kamamalu is a Hawaiʻi Island artist whose work bridges classical style and Polynesian subject matter. Kira shared stories of culture, fashion, and ʻike that inspired ‘ōpio to see art as lineage, identity, and living practice.

Miranda Ratner guided ‘ōpio in exploring transformation, balance, and sustainability through upcycled materials and mixed-media textile art—showing how discarded materials can become expressions of beauty, responsibility, and care for the earth.

Kapa Center: Nā Hana Kapa

Led by Uncle Kekoa and Aunty Kimberly, ‘ōpio experienced kapa making through ʻohe kapala (bamboo stamping), natural dyes, kapa beating, and storytelling and reflection.

Through rhythm, patience, and creativity, ‘ōpio learned patience and focus through kapa cultivation. Kapa production is a slow, intentional process that requires care for the plant, rhythmic labor, and deep focus.

Traditionally, kapa served many purposes including clothing, ceremony, healing, protection, and storytelling. The designs, textures, and finishes reflected place, function, and occasion, carrying meaning through practice rather than words.

Hula, Mele & Movement

‘Ōpio learned hula with Kumu Kahelelani and Alohikea, dancing to ʻO Eka Kamakani, a mele written and composed by Kumu Kaʻea. Through movement and breath, hula became medicine—strengthening connection to self, culture, and community. 

Music & Joy: ʻUkulele & Slack Key

A Mauli Ola music day with Aunty Maka Gallinger on ʻukulele and Eli Gallinger, a 16-year-old slack key guitar prodigy, inspired over 13 youth to sign up to learn slack key guitar. It was a powerful reminder of how mentorship and music open doors when youth feel seen and encouraged.

Homemade Cooking Adventures

Uncle Jonathan Ladylove, better known as Coach, taught the keiki and ‘ōpio how to make pasta from scratch this weekend. Taking turns and working together, they carefully measured, mixed, and prepared each ingredient as a team—building an important life skill through cooking. The experience ended with everyone sharing and enjoying the delicious meal they created together.

Uncle Thomas also showed how to make sourdough pizza in his outdoor pizza oven, giving them another hands-on opportunity to learn, collaborate, and celebrate food made with care.

Mahalo nui to Aunty Kalani and Uncle Josh for welcoming us into their beautiful home in Hōkūliʻa and creating a warm, generous space for such a lovely day together.

Coming Up: 31st Annual Kona Brewers Festival on March 14

We’re excited to share that Aunty Charis will be walking in the Trash Fashion Show at the 31st Annual Kona Brewers Festival—her fourth year in a row participating in this iconic community event that blends creativity, sustainability, and giving back.

The Kona Brewers Festival is a beloved community fundraiser rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and service. Organized by the Rotary Club of Kona Community Foundation, the Festival brings together nonprofit leaders, local businesses, philanthropists, keiki, and kūpuna in a fun, relaxed environment that encourages relationship-building and shared purpose.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the Festival is its Beneficiary Program. Each year, 15–20 nonprofit organizations are selected through a thorough review process to receive proceeds from the event.

This reciprocal model not only raises critical funds—it shines a spotlight on the essential services these organizations provide year-round. The Kona Brewers Festival is a celebration of collaboration and mutual respect, strengthening Hawaiʻi through shared responsibility and community care.

Mahalo Nui For Walking With Us

Every moment this month was made possible by the mentors, kumu, artists, volunteers, and community members who believe in healing through culture, care, and connection. Mahalo for standing with Humanity Hale as we continue to nurture life’s most precious gifts—our keiki ‘o ka ‘āina.

With love and gratitude,

Charis & the Humanity Hale ʻOhana

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