Nā ʻŌiwi Kāne Initiative
Funding Priorities
This initiative is dedicated to supporting Native Hawaiian youth, with a focus on those from fatherless households. It provides grants for programs and projects that preserve and transfer the skills, values, and practices of the traditional Hawaiian way of life to the most vulnerable members of our community.
Programs We Support
- ‘Aha Pūnana Leo
- Hale Kipa, Inc.
- Hawai’i Land Trust
- Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha
- Ho’okua’āina
- Ho’ōla Nā Pua
- Hui Mahi’ai ‘Āina
- Kahuku Elementary School
- Kinai ‘Eha
- Kūlaniākea
- Kumano i ke Ala
- Makaha Elementary School
- Mālama ‘Āina Foundation
- Papahana Aloha ‘Āina Hawai’i
- Partners in Development Foundation
- Pauahi Foundation
- Project Reach Hawai’i
- Pukalani Elementary School
- Residential Youth Services & Empowerment (RYSE)
- Waipā Foundation
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
We are proud to highlight Kinai ‘Eha, a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to transforming cycles of instability, justice involvement, and homelessness into pathways of healing, purpose, and self-sufficiency. Grounded in Native Hawaiian values, the organization supports youth, adults, and families through housing stability, education, workforce development, cultural practices, and mental health services.
Established in Waimānalo in 2017, Kinai ‘Eha began as a small effort to support youth experiencing trauma and disconnection. Today, it continues to empower community members through transitional housing, educational opportunities, workforce training, and trauma-informed support. Participants are recognized as Emerging Leaders, each with inherent value, responsibility, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Central to its mission is diverting the “pathway to prison” for Native Hawaiian youth facing challenges within traditional education systems or circumstances that place their futures at risk. Through compassion, accountability, and cultural grounding, Kinai ‘Eha helps young people build resilience, rediscover their purpose, and create brighter futures.
Nā ʻŌiwi Kāne has proudly supported Kinai ‘Eha since 2020, recognizing its strong alignment with our founding mission to support, strengthen, and unite our community. Together, we share a commitment to uplifting Native Hawaiian youth, perpetuating ʻike kūpuna, and creating lasting change that strengthens people, families, and future generations.
To learn more about this organization, please visit: Kinai ‘Eha
Building Stronger Communities Together
Connect with us to learn more about our funding opportunities and how we can work together to strengthen Native Hawaiian communities.