Kua'aina Associates

08/17/2026

Join us for our webinar on August 25, 2026!

Grounded in Indigenous storytelling traditions, the campaign shares powerful stories from Native people living with HIV, long-term survivors, advocates, and healthcare professionals. While these stories anchor the campaign, they also reflect the many untold, life-changing experiences of individuals, families, and communities impacted by HIV. Through these narratives, OURstory affirms storytelling as a powerful protective tool that safeguards communities, strengthens resilience, and advances HIV prevention.

08/12/2026

📍Please join us on our webinar in the bio on August 25, 2026 for the HISstory, HERstory, THEIRstory, OURstory: Storytelling as Resilience (OURstory) campaign - An Indigenous storytelling initiative that centers the voices, experiences, and leadership of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander individuals whose lives
and work have helped to lead the HIV response and elimination of HIV-related stigma in Native communities

08/11/2026

Please join us on August 25, 2026 for the HISstory, HERstory, THEIRstory, OURstory: Storytelling as Resilience (OURstory) webinar- an Indigenous storytelling initiative that centers the voices, experiences, and leadership of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander individuals whose lives
and work have helped to lead the HIV response and elimination of HIV-related stigma in Native communities⭐️

08/07/2026

Join us to watch our full interviews and other stories on August 25, 2026 - HISstory, HERstory, THEIRstory, OURstory: Storytelling as Resilience (OURstory) an Indigenous storytelling initiative that centers the voices, experiences, and
leadership of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander individuals whose lives and work have helped to lead the HIV response and elimination of HIV-related stigma in Native communities.

08/06/2026

⭐️ Join us on August 25, 2026 for the HISstory, HERstory, THEIRstory, OURstory: Storytelling as Resilience (OURstory) webinar!

Grounded in Indigenous storytelling traditions, our campaign shares powerful stories from Native people living with HIV, long-term survivors, advocates, and healthcare professionals. While these stories anchor the campaign, they also reflect the many untold, life-changing experiences of individuals, families, and
communities impacted by HIV. Through these narratives, OURstory affirms storytelling as a powerful protective tool that safeguards communities, strengthens resilience, and advances HIV prevention.

About the OURstory Partners:

Kuaʻāina Associates, Inc. is an Indigenous-led arts and culture organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and community well-being. As the lead organization behind the OURstory
project, Kuaʻāina Associates develops culturally grounded initiatives that strengthen communities, elevate
Indigenous arts and cultures, and amplify Native voices. Through its work, the organization fosters opportunities for healing, connection, leadership, and collective impact.

Website: https://kuaainaassociates.com

The Indian Health Service National HIV Program coordinates and promotes HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care activities for American Indian and Alaska Native communities as part of a comprehensive public health approach. The program works to prevent new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV.

Website: https://www.ihs.gov/hivaids/

The Raven Collective envisions a future where better health for Indigenous people is within reach. Through capacity development, health systems support, health promotion, community engagement, and workforce development, the organization strengthens Indigenous health leadership and advances sustainable, community-driven solutions.

Website: https:/www.theravencollective.org

08/17/2024

Originally developed through a partnership between the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona and guest curator Carolyn Melenani Kualiʻi, the Donkey Mill Art Center and our partners across Hawaiʻi are proud to bring an iteration of "Heʻe Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing" here to Kona.

On view August 17 - September 14, this exhibition covers 2,000 years of surfing history and Indigenous creative expression, from the earliest stories of surfer deities to contemporary works of art and surfing innovations, through the lens of modern Kānaka Maoli creatives and cultural practitioners.

The story of "Heʻe Nalu" is told through works of Kānaka Maoli artists and cultural practitioners Solomon Enos, Daniel Ikaika Ito, Kaumakaiwa Kanaka ʻole, Clifford Kapono, Haʻa Keaulana, Ian Kualiʻi, Tom Pōhaku Stone, Cory Kamehanaokalā Taum. Artwork in the original exhibition also featured work by Akila Aipa, Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano, Christopher Kahunahana, Lehuauakea, Nicole Naone, and Rick San Nicolas.

This exhibition is free and open to the public.
Exhibition on View: August 17 - September 14
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 17 from 5:00 - 7:00pm

Featured photograph by Haʻa Keaulana featuring Puamakamae DeSoto sliding on her longboard in Mākaha, O’ahu, 2021, in the series "Aia no i ke kō a ke au - Whichever Way the Current Goes".

07/13/2024

07/12/2024

Much ALOHA and prayers to Maui especially to those families still without housing and our Upcountry Ohana who is experiencing another fire as I type this. So proud to be kānaka and from Maui and long live the art and legacy of he`e nalu!!

Watch as Kai Lenny and Archie Kalepa of the accept the on behalf of the entire Maui Surf Community following their recovery efforts after the devastating wi...

07/11/2024

Kai Lenny shared, "The award is for the entire Maui community because everyone dropped what they were doing and turned up.”

06/25/2024

https://www.khon2.com/local-news/this-new-exhibit-provides-2000-years-of-surfing-history-heritage-and-legacy/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2zAlG-PxrgNxMKke1P2dKo5L9kjjNYxIUbIBLRmIf9xQnDV7T1fXY6g0Y_aem_Wj8ocWTEle-WJcNa-ieAcw

It’s an exhibit covering 2,000 years of surfing history, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and legacy of Heʻe Nalu, which you can experience here in Honolulu.