The Pacific American Foundation

06/16/2026

PAF OHANA NEWSLETTER AND CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT

KA ULUWEHI PACIFIC AMERICAN FOUNDATION | June 2026 Aloha mai! As we grow into summer, we are reflecting on the power of long-term relationships: between students and place, educators and community, an

06/03/2026

If Hawaiʻi’s environmental challenges will be inherited by today’s students, then students must also be empowered to shape the solutions. 🌊

At the 9th annual ʻImi Wai Ola Student Science Conference, Hawaiʻi students gathered on Ford Island to share research, build relationships, and grow as scientists, caretakers, and community leaders. Through The Pacific American Foundation programs like Kilo Kai, students learn about environmental science by working in the communities they call home—that’s ma ka hana ka ʻike!

From testing water quality to studying coral reef health, these haumāna are proving that science rooted in collaboration, aloha ʻāina, and community can help shape a stronger future for Hawaiʻi.

Read the full story and see how the next generation is leading with care, curiosity, and action: https://www.thenext200.org/stories/imiwaiolastudents

Join the movement. Share your story. Build the Next 200 with us: https://www.thenext200.org/join

05/18/2026

Mark your calendars! Our next Waikalua Loko I’a workday is Saturday June 27, 8am-12pm. As always, lunch will be provided after our morning of hana. RSVP at our website, or check in the morning-of 🌈

thepaf.org/waikalua/ohana

05/15/2026

Locally relevant, globally excellent: Waikalua Loko I'a - fishpond and the work of Hawaiʻi’s ocean educators are featured in the 2026 Prada Re-Nylon campaign alongside National Geographic and UNESCO. The story highlights how place-based learning, cultural stewardship, and mālama ʻāina are shaping the next generation of ocean stewards through partnerships with schools and community hui like Pacific American Foundation.

Read a recent article shared by the University of Hawai‘i News to learn more about the impact of Waikalua Loko Iʻa and Hawaiʻi Blue Schools: https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2026/05/11/prada-re-nylon-campaign/

Explore Pacific American Foundation’s work, at Waikalua Loko Iʻa and beyond: https://www.thepaf.org/

National Marine Educators Association
OCEANIA Marine Educators Association
University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program
USA Blue Schools
Joanna Philippoff
Anuschka Faucci

05/15/2026

The campaign spotlights Kāneʻohe students learning ocean stewardship through fishpond-based, community partnerships.

05/13/2026

Huge congratulations to Kāneʻohe Elementary School on being named a 2026 National Gold Star School!

We are so proud to partner with Kāneʻohe Elementary as part of the first cohort of our Hau'oli Mau Loa ‘Āina-Based Learning in Hawaiʻi DOE Schools: together, we are working to build high-quality ʻāina-based curriculum that connects students to place, culture, and community. This recognition reflects not only academic excellence, but a deep commitment to nurturing relationships, ʻike, and a thriving learning environment for keiki.

Congratulations to Principal Derek Minakami and the entire school community for your leadership and vision. We are honored to support and learn alongside you! May this achievement continue to uplift and inspire our students and educators.

Check out PAF’s educational work: https://www.thepaf.org/education-services/

Excited about supporting ʻāina? Check out the Windward Youth Leadership Fund: https://www.thepaf.org/wylf/

05/01/2026

Educators, early learning leaders, and community partners in Hawaiʻi and beyond — you’re invited! 🌺

Join us for Early Learning with Aloha: Professional Learning Summit 2026 on July 13–15 in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu.​

On July 13–14, we’ll host Positive Discipline Certification with Joy Marchese to help you master connection-based classroom management (early childhood–focused, all grades welcome). On July 15, our PAF ʻOhana will lead a Hawaiʻi-Centered SEL Certification, offering culturally responsive, trauma-informed tools for all grades and roles.​

Let’s renew resilient communities through culture, connection, and excellence — together. Learn more and register at www.thepaf.org/ecsummit

05/01/2026

Educators, school leaders, and community partners in Hawaiʻi and beyond — you’re invited! 🌺

Join us for the ʻĀina Education Summer Institute 2026 on July 20–22 in Windward Oʻahu.

Over three immersive days, you’ll collaborate with fellow educators and Koʻolau community partners to design meaningful, place-based units rooted in ʻāina. Ground your teaching in a shared framework, strengthen your curriculum, and bridge cultural practice with academic rigor.

Let’s deepen learning through ʻāina, community, and excellence — together. Learn more and register at www.hikieducation.org, and contact [email protected] for further details

04/28/2026

https://conta.cc/4vY6yCu

Aloha, I wanted to personally share an invitation to a special event that reflects so much of what Pacific American Foundation and Waikalua Loko Iʻa stand for. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m.