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Our Story

Krilla Kaleiwahea Foundation

Krilla KaleiwKrilla Kaleiwahea Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization chartered by the State of Hawaii, controlled by Native Hawaiians, and whose activities principally benefit Native Hawaiians. We are committed to fostering a self-sufficient and thriving Hawaiian community, and our work supports initiatives that promote economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability across the state of Hawaii. By partnering with local organizations and investing in community-driven projects, we aim to create lasting positive impact and build a brighter future for our community.ahea Foundation is a Native Hawaiian Organization serving Native Hawaiians across the State of Hawaii.

 

We are a not-for-profit charitable organization chartered by the State of Hawaii, controlled by Native Hawaiians, and whose activities will principally benefit Native Hawaiians.

Kids from canoe club smiling at camera.

Vision

To become a culturally-grounded 'ohana, internationally recognized and respected for excellence in cultural programs, physical fitness, health and youth leadership development.

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Mission

To support traditional Hawaiian values that foster personal growth, character development, and achievement in physical fitness. To elevate the health, education and welfare of the Native Hawaiian community in the State of Hawaii, enabling every Native Hawaiian to reach their full potential.

Kids from canoe carrying canoe.
Kids from canoe club paddling in the ocean.

Programs

Krilla Kaleiwahea Foundation was created to address the social, economic and educational challenges that impact the Native Hawaiian community across the State of Hawaii.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in seven Native Hawaiian families are currently living below the poverty line, and Native Hawaiian families in Hawaii are twice as likely to live below the poverty line than the rest of the State's population. In the last decade, the number of Native Hawaiians in poverty has increased by 60%.

Krilla Kaleiwahea Foundation wants to change that, leveraging grant and business opportunities and partnering with like-minded organizations to help address some of the critical issues facing our community. Our efforts support business and entrepreneurship opportunities, cultural and environmental preservation activities, and educational, career, and workforce development programs to help foster healthy minds and bodies, greater cultural understanding, and gainful employment for Native Hawaiians.

We are a proud sponsor of Lahaina Canoe Club.

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.

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