Make-A-Wish Hawaii

08/26/2026

Wish granted! 💫

Five-year-old Ronan is a sweet, joyful boy who loves Disney—especially the characters he sees as heroes. Living with a metabolic disorder that causes seizures, muscle weakness and extreme fatigue, Ronan faces challenges no child should have to endure.

Thanks to the generous support of Hawaii Softball Foundation, Ronan’s wish to go to Walt Disney World® came true. He set aside his medical worries and simply got to be a kid. His mom, Angelica, shared that he was so excited, he danced nonstop throughout the trip.

And when Ronan rushed into the arms of his favorite characters, soaking in every hug, his parents were brought to tears. To Ronan, they were more than characters—they were heroes who brought light to his hardest days. ✨

08/24/2026

A wish can help a child soar beyond their medical journey and into a world of wonder. 💙

For children living with a tracheostomy or who rely on a ventilator, continuous oxygen, BiPAP, or CPAP, daily life often includes medical routines and challenges—but also hope on the horizon.

If you know a child between 2½ and 17 years old who requires long-term respiratory support, they may be eligible for a life-changing wish—one that gives them a chance to dream, explore and keep imagining what’s possible.

Help us reach more children who may qualify for a wish. Refer a child today at wish.org/refer-a-child. ✨

08/20/2026

A celebration fit for a wish come true! 🌟

Three-year-old Khyler from Aiea, who is battling leukemia, recently had his wish granted to go to San Diego to see the animals—and thanks to our friends at Keiki Kingdom, he had the perfect party to celebrate!

From hearing all about the animals Khyler saw on his wish trip to watching him race from slide to slide, the celebration was full of joy, laughter and nonstop play. Mahalo nui to Keiki Kingdom and their incredibly kind and generous staff for hosting such a special day for Khyler and his family. It was the perfect way to celebrate his wish coming true! 💙✨

08/20/2026

Wish granted! 💫

Ten-year-old Kaniela is living with a neuromuscular disorder that has led to significant physical challenges over time. Activities many children enjoy—running, playing, and even sitting upright independently—are no longer possible for him. Despite facing daily challenges, his spirit remains bright, resilient, and full of imagination.

Thanks to the support of the Yamane Family Endowment Fund, Kaniela’s wish to go to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, became a reality. The wish gave Kaniela and his family an opportunity to step away from daily routines and spend meaningful time together in a peaceful, joyful setting. 💙

During their stay, Kaniela experienced the wonder of Disney while creating connection, comfort, and happiness his family will always cherish. He met beloved Disney characters including Goofy, Stitch, and Moana, spent time enjoying the pool, and took in the beautiful ocean views from the resort. Most importantly, the wish created precious time for Kaniela and his family to simply be together and make lasting memories. ✨

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Diva Gapusan on 10 years of serving our mission! 🌟

As Senior Accountant, Diva helps support the work of wish granting behind the scenes, ensuring the financial operations run smoothly so we can continue serving wish kids, their families, and our communities.

We’re so grateful for Diva’s decade of dedication, compassion and service—and for the meaningful impact she continues to make. Here’s to the next chapter of wishes come true! ✨

08/13/2026

Wish granted! 💫

For 14-year-old Mindy of Georgia, the ocean has always been a place of calm, wonder and possibility. After a sudden medical emergency during a swim meet helped doctors discover her heart condition, returning to the water became even more meaningful. Her wish for a custom surfboard gave Mindy a way to celebrate her strength, her love for the ocean and the joy of riding waves.

Inside Surf Museum Hawaii, Mindy watched her dream take shape with pro surfer and surfboard shaper Megan Godinez, affectionately known as Aunty Megz. Having her board shaped by a wahine surf mentor and shaper she could look up to made the day even more special, and the two bonded easily as megan godinez sketched a design inspired by Mindy’s love of blue hues, whale sharks and the waves she hoped to ride. 🌊

Then, Mindy and her family helped paint the board together—adding their own color, creativity and aloha to a one-of-a-kind surfboard that represents strength, hope and the joy of a wish come true. During her wish trip, Mindy also surfed for the very first time and got up on wave after wave! 💙

Make-A-Wish Georgia

08/12/2026

Wish granted! 💫

Caelynn, a 4-year-old from Waipahu, finds joy in the simple things: books, music, family time and sharing her happiness through bright smiles, clapping hands, kicking feet and sweet giggles. Caelynn lives with a nervous system disorder and despite the challenges she faces, her joyful personality shines brightly.

Thanks to the generous support of Goodfellow Bros., Caelynn’s wish to go to Walt Disney World® came true. The trip gave her the chance to experience a world of color, music and excitement, while creating special memories her entire family will always cherish. 💙

“The trip provided us with so many wonderful memories that will last a lifetime,” says Caelynn’s mom, Shelby.

Wishes like Caelynn’s create life-changing experiences not only for the child, but for the entire family. Mahalo, Goodfellow Bros., for making Caelynn’s wish possible. 🌟

08/10/2026

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Wish Granter, we’ve got great news! The next statewide, virtual Wish Granter training session will be held Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 🗓️⁠
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Wish Granters work with a partner to meet with wish kids and their families to help determine their heartfelt wishes, and then work with our staff to make those wishes a reality. Each wish is a uniquely personal decision and represents hope, strength, and joy during an otherwise difficult time for a child facing a critical illness. ⁠
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Registration is limited! If you’re interested in attending, please email Will Phelps at [email protected].

08/06/2026

Wish granted! 💫

Dazon, a 13-year-old from Honolulu living with congenital heart disease, is a talented young musician. He wished to go to New York City—a place where history, culture, and the performing arts come together. 🏙️

For Dazon, the wish was an opportunity to celebrate how far he has come, create lifelong memories, and look toward the future with excitement and confidence.

Mahalo to Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for helping Dazon’s wish take flight! ✈️

08/04/2026

Our Mission Impact Advisor James Donnelly joined Gyotaku Japanese Restaurants co-founder and President Tom Jones on KITV4’s Island Life HI to share how diners can celebrate Tanabata Matsuri, “The Star Festival,” while supporting local wish keiki. 🌟

Now through the end of August, Gyotaku is donating $1 from each seasonal Tanabata menu item sold to Make-A-Wish Hawaii. Celebrate the tradition by writing a wish, enjoying a special meal and helping bring hope, strength and joy to children across our islands.

Watch the segment to learn more!

Gyotaku is celebrating 25 years with limited-time Tanabata Festival favorites, and every seasonal menu item sold through August helps support Make-A-Wish! 🌟 See why KITV viewers voted Gyotaku Hawaii's Best