Hawaiian Diaspora

Hawaiian Diaspora We are a grassroots nonprofit supporting Native Hawaiians outside of Hawai'i to feel empowered in their Hawaiian identity, strengthen roots, and honor kuleana.

Watching Hawai’i feels heartbreaking and helpless. But just because we’re far away doesn’t mean we are disconnected or u...
08/26/2026

Watching Hawai’i feels heartbreaking and helpless. But just because we’re far away doesn’t mean we are disconnected or useless. Kuleana (responsibility, concern, privilege) isn’t limited to ‘āina.

A note of care: this work isn’t easy, and it’s okay to feel fatigued or unsure what you can give. We just hope you’ll stay curious about where your capacity meets your kuleana.

Stop by to say aloha, grab a giveaway, spin the wheel, win prizes, hear more about what we’re working on, talk story! We...
08/22/2026

Stop by to say aloha, grab a giveaway, spin the wheel, win prizes, hear more about what we’re working on, talk story! We hope to see you there 🫂

08/05/2026

To clarify: someone who lives in Hawai’i but does not have aboriginal ancestors from Hawai’i should not be referred to as Native/Hawaiian because that term is reserved as an ethnonym. Hawai’i does not recognize demonyms.

Ever felt unsure if, as a person with Native Hawaiian ancestry, you’re “allowed” to refer to yourself as one (or any sel...
07/24/2026

Ever felt unsure if, as a person with Native Hawaiian ancestry, you’re “allowed” to refer to yourself as one (or any self-identifying term that signals Native Hawaiian?) You are absolutely not alone.

This is a loaded topic, for sure, but worth cutting through the noise to say: you have “permission.” Not that you needed it, necessarily, but we understand why you might feel like you do.

And if it takes some time to feel comfortable using labels, we get that, too. Take the time and steps you need to get there, because you *can* get there, whenever it feels right.

Sending you so much aloha!

We’re so happy to announce our new volunteer Deputy Director, ! 🎉 Having volunteered with HD for a year now, Kylie has a...
07/11/2026

We’re so happy to announce our new volunteer Deputy Director, ! 🎉 Having volunteered with HD for a year now, Kylie has already done so much for us, including getting us organized, preparing to file for our 501(c)(3), and leading the build of our interactive diaspora map (we can’t wait to share more about that!) And that’s just the beginning.

Kylie has so much depth and breadth of experience across higher education, data, and community. We are so lucky to have her on her team!

Ho’omaika’i, Kylie! Mahalo for all you do!

07/11/2026

From an ancestral Hawaiian perspective, we wouldn’t have to wonder if we’re “Hawaiian enough.” That would feel foreign to us. But the reality today is many of us are paying the price of generational trauma because of a painful history still affecting Hawai’i (and Hawaiians) today. Yet, sometimes we struggle to admit if we’re struggling.

It’s okay if it feels complicated, in waves, or foggy for you. But we all deserve to feel validated, no matter where you are in your own journey. We owe it to each other to comfort one another, to acknowledge our different stories. It doesn’t mean we value our ego over the community, it just means we have more work to do.

Because what’s the cost if we don’t?

Whether you’re a Hawaiian* who returned to O’ahu or have been there all your life, we want you know about and all of th...
06/27/2026

Whether you’re a Hawaiian* who returned to O’ahu or have been there all your life, we want you know about and all of the incredible services they offer. Join us on July 7 at 3 p.m. HST to hear from them directly and ask questions! The informational session will be hosted on Zoom. RSVP by going to www.hawaiiandiaspora.org (bottom of the homepage) or go to link in bio. We hope to see you there!

*Ke Ola Mamo’s services center Native Hawaiians but are open to all.

When it comes to community dialogue between Hawaiians, we believe in the power of curiosity before criticism and that th...
06/20/2026

When it comes to community dialogue between Hawaiians, we believe in the power of curiosity before criticism and that there is always an opportunity to listen. If we don’t give each other the chance to talk directly to one another about intention, perspective and action, how does healing and change happen?

There are very real and valid reasons we feel strongly about the things we do. It’s what’s kept us going. However, it’s also encouraged harmful habits we may not even realize we’re practicing.

It’s within our vision to see these habits change for the better.

Hawaiian Diaspora honors Juneteenth. We celebrate Black joy, resiliency, and freedom. From our diaspora on the U.S. cont...
06/19/2026

Hawaiian Diaspora honors Juneteenth. We celebrate Black joy, resiliency, and freedom. From our diaspora on the U.S. continent and beyond, we recognize the history of this day and its present power. To Hawaiians who are also Black American: your heritage, your story, and your joy matter and we celebrate you.

We have much to continue to learn from Juneteenth and all that it brings up, particularly what we can and should learn from Black Americans. The most important part being: each story matters.

Aloha Lā Juneteenth

The sense of belonging to Hawaiʻi runs deep, and for many of us, how we physically show up in the world feels tied to th...
06/14/2026

The sense of belonging to Hawaiʻi runs deep, and for many of us, how we physically show up in the world feels tied to that sense of identity and heritage. That’s a very real struggle even when it shouldn’t have to be.

The lived experiences around signaling as Hawaiian are wide and nuanced. “It doesn’t matter what you look like” is well-intentioned and often genuine but it’s not a standalone antidote. It doesn’t erase the racial imposter syndrome many of us carry.

So where does that leave us? Unlearning stereotypes and assumptions is part of the work for all of us, and it’s a journey. But what we do know is this: you have permission to show up exactly as you are. Take all the time you need to work through that.

Address

762 E Mission Rd
Fallbrook, CA
92028

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hawaiian Diaspora posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category