Local Roots. Global Impact.
Our Story
Krilla Kaleiwahea Foundation
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The Krilla Kaleiwahea Foundation is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the State of Hawaii. It is guided by Native Hawaiians and dedicated to uplifting the Native Hawaiian community through programs that honor culture, empower youth, and build a stronger future. ​
By working closely with local organizations and investing in community-driven projects, we strive to leave a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
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Our Commitment
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We proudly sponsor organizations and programs that align with our mission, including:
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Leilehua High School Mules Surf Club
Mission + Vision
The Krilla Kaleiwahea Foundation envisions a thriving Native Hawaiian community, empowered by cultural preservation, personal growth, and strong leadership. Guided by traditional Hawaiian values, we are dedicated to fostering health, education, and economic opportunities that enable every Native Hawaiian to achieve their full potential.
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Programs + Impact
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Why Our Work Matters
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau:
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One in seven Native Hawaiian families lives below the poverty line.
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Native Hawaiian families are twice as likely to experience poverty compared to the state’s general population.
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Over the past decade, the number of Native Hawaiians living in poverty has increased by 60%.
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How We’re Making a Difference
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We aim to break these cycles of hardship by:
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Cultivating youth leadership through sport and fitness
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Advancing cultural and environmental preservation efforts
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Offering educational, career, and workforce development programs
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These initiatives nurture healthy minds and bodies, foster cultural understanding, and promote gainful employment, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient Native Hawaiian community.
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Mules Surf Club
Watch the video of students from one of our foundation sponsorships, the Mules Surf Team of Leilehua High School, discuss what surfing means to them.
Who are Native Hawaiians?
Native Hawaiians (Hawaiian: kanaka 'oiwi, kanaka maoli, and Hawai'i mail) are the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian islands and their descendants.Native Hawaiians trace their ancestry back to the original Polynesian settlers of the Hawaiian Islands.Click below to learn more about modern Hawaiian history and the experience of Native Hawaiians after Western contact.
The picture on the right is the
Hawaiian Hula Troupe Circa 1907
