When We Shine Foundation

18/11/2025

When Creative Educators gather in the forest to plan future programs.... Magic Happens!

22/09/2025

It’s National Arts Education week! Give a shout out to an Arts Educator!! Every single school needs this!! 

26/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17CpkNMV2k/?mibextid=wwXIfr

17/08/2025

Calling all Artists!!

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! Hui No‘eau is honored to once again join in presenting Mālama Wao Akua 2025—a juried exhibition celebrating the incredible native species of Maui Nui! Artwork drop-off is set for Tuesday, September 2—that’s just 20 days away!

welcomes creatives of all ages living in Maui County and working in any medium. Your piece should highlight a native species from Maui Nui (Maui, Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, or Kaho‘olawe) or depict a landscape that includes one. This is your chance to blend art with advocacy—celebrating and protecting the native plants, animals, and ecosystems that make our home so unique.

Need inspiration? Join one of the exhibition’s artist huakaʻi—exclusive hikes and tours where artists can experience Maui Nui’s native species up close while learning from local experts. Space is limited, and registration is required.

Full details & prospectus are available through the link in our bio!

Artwork: Nā Mea Hope Loa (The Last Ones) (detail) by Pua Jauregui, Mālama Wao Akua 2024

22/07/2025

This yearʻs When We Shine Foundation annual Professional Development Program for Teachers (K-7) and Teaching Artists, was held June 9th thu 12th, 2025 on the historic grounds of the Hui Noʻeau. With Susana Browne as Lead Coordinator, we began our event with an immersive Forest Bathing experience under the Grandmother Tree. Throughout the week, participants were treated to a Art-filled creative array of different mediums and playful prompts to deepen their relationship to the beautiful ʻĀina. Mahalo Nui Jaydon Isobe, Shelley Toon Lindberg, Paul Wood and Rae Takemoto for all your wonderful teachings and support! Shout out to the Hui Noʻeau for their partnership and beautiful space to host our event and to Lisa Villiarimo of The Aloha Lifestyle for the delicious and nourishing food!!!

From June 9 -12, in partnership with the Hui Noeau, When We Shine Foundation presented our 3rd Annual Professional Development program for Teachers and Teac...

22/07/2025

The response from the Teachers and Teaching Artists confirmed our commitment once again to the need for our programs, for Mauiʻs Education Community. The quality time we spent together in person, promoted well-being, deepening the connections for teachers and teaching artists, and helped to combine our resources and support for one another, a rich and lasting sense of unity.

01/07/2025

We are so happy to feature all the songs written and recorded by our Keiki Artists, VOICES OF THE EARTH. Just by listening to your favorite streaming channel, you are supporting our arts integration and education programs in our public schools here on Maui! Mahalo!!

05/05/2025

We are so proud of our Pomaikaʻi Choirʻs participation in the creation of this Music Video of the song, Lahaina Town, by Steve Grimes, featuring our Choir, John Cruz and a Host of celebrities! Now being Featured on Hawaiian Airlines entertainment thru October 2025!!

After Maui musician/master luthier Steve Grimes composed the inspirational song “Lahaina Town” following the 2023 fires, filmmakers Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday collaborated with Grimes to produce a seven-minute video honoring Lahaina. “This song is near and dear to our hearts, and the vid...

27/12/2024

Your donation to Arts Education brings Joy, Connection & Healing!
https://conta.cc/40cJzpA

Email from When We Shine Foundation A Season for Song & Gratitude! Music & the Arts Create a World of Possibility DONATE TODAY Small Changes Can Make Big Community Impact! Did you know that When We Sh

19/12/2024

16/12/2024

Here is Pomaikaʻi Elementary School 4th Gradersʻ performance of their new song, Floating On Top Of the World, at their 2024 Winterfest. This song was filled with descriptions and scenes that describe the studentsʻ love for Maui and why it is such a special place to live! Check out their playful, heart-full words to their original song… full recording, and streaming links coming soon!! , , 

FLOATING ON TOP OF THE WORLD – LYRICS
By Ms. Hoberecht, Ms. Park, Ms. Phipps & Ms. Nolanʻs 4th Grade Classes at Pomaikaʻi Elementary w. Melinda Caroll Teaching Artist, December 2024

1st Verse
Living in a magical dream, it takes my breath away
Home to Humu-humu-nuku-nuku-a-pu-aʻa
Colorful coral, fishes and eels
Polipoli rises high above the misty clouds.
Feels like Iʻm floating on top of the world
Oo-oo Oo-oo Floating on top of the world
Oo-oo Oo-oo Floating on top of the world

2nd Verse
See the tradewinds dancing, swaying with the coconut trees
And the warm sunny beaches so inviting.
Sugar cane juice tastes so sweet, savor every moment.
I am here in the middle of the ocean.
Feels like Iʻm Floating on top of the world
Oo-oo Oo-oo, Floating on top of the world
Oo-oo Oo-oo Floating on top of the world

Bridge
Mā-la-ma-la-ma Maui,
Mauka to Makai, mountains to the sea
Ma-halo, this beautiful Island
Maui No Ka ʻOi, Maui No Ka ʻOi

3rd Verse
Morning light like shimmering diamonds, my heart feels safe inside
Dig my feet in the soft, soft sand, I stand with peaceful pride,
When I view into that blue, From Hana to Lahaina,
I can surf right through an orange sherbert sunset.
Like Iʻm floating on top of the world
Oo-oo Oo-oo, Floating on top of the world
Oo-oo Oo-oo, Floating on top of the world
(Feels like Iʻm Floating on top of the world)

Pomaikaʻi Elementary School 4th Grade performance of their new song, Floating On Top Of the World, December 13, 2024 at their Winterfest.This song was filled...