Advancing Cultural Preservation and Community Development
The Ho`i Loa Foundation is a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) dedicated to nurturing the spirit of our people through the revival of language, the strength of community, and the promise of education.
Preserving Language, Values, and Tradition
The strength of our lāhui lies in our language, our places of gathering, our cultural practices, and our ability to thrive in modern society without losing who we are.
We support programs that make a meaningful impact on the lives of the Native Hawaiian People.
Hawaiian Language Revitalization
The Hawaiian language is the foundation of our identity and cultural pride. Our programs support learning, everyday use, and the long-term survival of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i for generations to come.
Community Cultural Support Hubs
We are committed to helping build and support community centers that serve as cultural and resource hubs for Hawaiians. These spaces foster connection, learning, and wellness grounded in Hawaiian values.
Education & Workforce Development
We empower Native Hawaiians to pursue education and meaningful careers that honor both heritage and future. From training to mentorship, we help build pathways to economic strength and self-determination.
How We Choose Programs to Support
Guided by our mission. Grounded in our values.
At The Ho`i Loa Foundation, we take great care in selecting the programs we support. Each opportunity is thoughtfully considered to ensure alignment with our core mission: uplifting the Native Hawaiian community through the preservation and promotion of language, culture and education.
We believe that the best programs are rooted in community, led with intention, and built to make a lasting impact
Selection Criteria:
Here’s what we look for:
Cultural Alignment:
Programs must reflect and promote Native Hawaiian values, traditions, and identity. We seek work that honors our kupuna and inspires future generations.
Community Benefit
Priority is given to initiatives that directly serve Native Hawaiian individuals, families, and communities—especially those that address clear needs and create opportunity.
Impactful and Sustainable
We support programs with strong goals, measurable outcomes, and the potential for long-term growth, scalability, or community transformation.
Led by or for Native Hawaiians
We prioritize programs that are either led by Native Hawaiians or created with Native Hawaiians as the primary beneficiaries.
Strengthening Our Pillars
All programs must align with at least one of our four focus areas:
– Hawaiian Language
– Community Centers
– Cultural Knowledge
– Education & Workforce Development
Collaborative Spirit
We value programs that build relationships and work with communities, schools, local organizations, and other partners to expand their reach and relevance.
Capacity and Readiness
We assess whether the program has the leadership, infrastructure, and readiness to carry out its mission successfully with our support.