By Manuwai Peters
Kanaeokana, the Kula Hawaiʻi Network, established the Aloha ʻĀina Leader Award in 2018, a unique award for graduating seniors from Kanaeokana Network schools that recognizes their demonstrated aloha ʻāina and community-centered values.
The awardees are selected from Hawaiian-focused charter schools, DOE kula kaiapuni, and independent schools. In 2025, Kanaeokana, Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) are celebrating 18 graduating seniors from the class of 2025 as Aloha ʻĀina Leaders. Hoʻomakaikaʻi! Congratulations to these deserving haumāna!
“A major part of Kanaeokana’s vision is to bring into being ʻa strengthened lāhui that grows and sustains future generations of aloha ʻāina leaders,’ and this award celebrates that vision,” said Mahinapoepoe Paishon-Duarte, co-founder of The Waiwai Collective and member of Kanaeokana.
The graduating seniors receive a certificate honoring their achievement, a scholarship award, a Kanaeokana gift box, and recognition from their peers and communities for their achievements. This year, OHA provided a grant to support the awards and to make the scholarship award for each honoree possible.
“The Aloha ʻĀina Leader Award is a testament to the resilience and brilliance of our next generation, recognizing their dedication to our land, people, and cultural identity,” said OHA CEO Stacy Ferreira. “OHA is honored to support this initiative, which uplifts and invests in young leaders who will carry forward the work of our kūpuna and shape a thriving future for Hawaiʻi. We celebrate these haumāna and their accomplishments, knowing they are the promise of tomorrow.”
2025 Award RecipientsFor more information go to kanaeokana.net/aala.
