Carrying Lānaʻi With Me: A Journey of Culture, Service and Giving Back
October 2026 — Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center is proud to support Lānaʻi students as they pursue higher education and carry the values of their island community with them. Through its scholarship program, the Center offers financial support to students who exemplify the values of aloha ʻāina, service to community, and a deep respect for Lānaʻi and its people. In 2026, Lānaʻi CHC awarded $1,500 scholarships to Micah Kahihikolo, Spencer Chew, and Jake Ropa. The students participated in the Center’s programs since they were in the 4th grade, and they all eventually became alakaʻi (leaders) in Lānaʻi CHC’s flagship education program, E ʻIke Hou iā Lānaʻi.
These students represent the hope that Lānaʻi CHC has for the island’s youth–that future generations are grounded in Lānaʻi values and have a deep pride in being from this special place. Executive Director Shelly Kaiaokamalie shares, “I’ve had the privilege of working with these students since they were just nine years old. I’ve watched them grow into kind and thoughtful young men who know where they come from. They are already stewards of our ʻāina and heritage, and I am incredibly proud of the people they are becoming. Our community can’t wait to see all that they accomplish in the future.”
Jake, one of the scholarship recipients, reflected on his time with Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center. Here’s what he had to say about the impact of Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center on his formative years:
Growing up on Lānaʻi and in Hawaiʻi as a whole, has shaped not only who I am today but also the person I hope to become in the future. Living on a small island has taught me the importance of community, compassion, and a willingness to always help others. Because I was raised in a place where everyone looks out for one another, I have always felt a strong responsibility to one day return home and give back to the community that has continuously lifted me up. My goal is not only to build a successful future for myself but to use what I learn to make a meaningful difference for the people and place that have given me so much.
Throughout my high school journey, I have been fortunate to participate in many opportunities that allowed me to serve others, strengthen my leadership skills, and grow as a person. Whether it was volunteering, helping with community events, mentoring younger students, or simply showing up whenever help was needed, each experience reminded me how rewarding it is to make a positive impact on someone else's life. Those experiences reinforced my belief that true leadership is rooted in service and that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting effect on a community.
One organization that has played an especially meaningful role in my life is the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center. They have supported me throughout my childhood and high school years, always encouraging me to learn, grow, and become more connected to my island. I have had the privilege of working with and for the Center for nearly nine years, and I can honestly say that it has become like a second home. The staff have been more than mentors; they have become people I deeply admire and look up to. They believed in me, gave me opportunities to learn, and trusted me with responsibilities that helped me gain confidence in myself.
Because I am of Native Hawaiian descent, many people assume that I naturally grew up deeply connected to Hawaiian culture. While my heritage has always been a part of who I am, I cannot say that I always fully understood or appreciated its significance. As I grew older, I realized that culture is not something you simply inherit. It is something you actively learn, practice, and protect. Through my experiences at the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center, I found a deeper appreciation for my identity, my ancestors, and the stories that make our island so unique.
One experience that has had a profound impact on me has been participating in the Center's E ʻIke Hou ʻia Lānaʻi initiative. Through this program, I have had the opportunity to learn about the history of our island from the people who know it best and to help preserve that knowledge for future generations. I learned that every place, every story, and every tradition carries meaning, and that preserving our culture is not just about remembering the past; it is about ensuring that future generations can continue to feel a sense of belonging and pride in where they come from.
Working alongside community members, cultural practitioners, and kūpuna has taught me lessons that cannot be found in a classroom. They shared stories of resilience, stewardship, and aloha that inspired me to see my island through a different lens. I came to understand that serving my community is not just about volunteering my time but about honoring the people who came before me and creating opportunities for those who will come after me. Those experiences have strengthened my sense of kuleana and reminded me that every individual has a role in preserving the spirit of Lānaʻi.
The Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center has given me far more than work experience. It has given me confidence, lifelong mentors, meaningful friendships, and a deeper understanding of who I am. It has shown me the value of giving back without expecting anything in return and has inspired me to become someone who leads with humility, compassion, and service. As I continue my education, I hope to gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences that will allow me to come back home and contribute in meaningful ways. Whether that means improving opportunities for local youth, supporting cultural preservation, or helping strengthen the health and well-being of my community, I want my education to benefit more than just myself. I want it to benefit the island that raised me.
Lānaʻi will always be home. No matter where life takes me, the lessons I have learned through my family, my community, the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center, and the E ʻIke Hou ʻia Lānaʻi initiative will stay with me. They have shaped my values, strengthened my identity, and inspired me to live a life of service. My greatest hope is that one day I can return to Lānaʻi and help provide future generations with the same opportunities, encouragement, and sense of belonging that my community has so generously given to me.
