About Us

Through partnerships with schools, government agencies, non-profits and private businesses around the world, our charitable mission promotes a model of holistic health and wellness while perpetuating Hawaiian cultural values.

Our Mission

At Mālama Kōkua, we believe in the power of education and wellness as foundational elements for thriving communities. We are dedicated to fostering a compassionate and empowered community through holistic education, wellness initiatives, and impactful philanthropy. Our mission is to nurture the potential for actualization within every individual by providing accessible resources, support, and opportunities for growth. Grounded in our founder’s Hawaiian values, we aim to inspire the spirit of aloha, kindness, and collaboration among our community members. Kōkua, which loosely translates to giving without expecting anything in return, emphasizes selfless service to others, while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our community driven by our Four Pillars: Education, Wellness, Philanthropy and Sustainability.

Our Twelve-Point Action Plan

EDUCATION

  • Mālama Our Gardens Project: Support public schools and urban cities by donating proceeds and/or collaborating with the K-12 system and government agencies to establish community gardens. We aim to expose students to agriculture and regenerative tourism themes for career and technical development.

  • Promote Education: Offer innovative educational programs and resources that empower individuals of all ages to reach their full potential and build a brighter future througgh health and wellness.

  • Enhance Wellness & Sustainability: Support physical, mental, and emotional well-being through workshops, health initiatives, and resources that encourage healthy lifestyles and care for the ‘āina, which means "land" in Hawaiian.

  • PHILANTHROPY

  • Inspire Philanthropy: Foster a culture of giving and service by connecting individuals and organizations with meaningful opportunities to positively impact our community. Last year, our Kōkua Maui Initiative inspired hundreds of donors to provide $12,000 in humanitarian aid to Maui Wildfire victims.

  • Food Security Partnerships: Collaborate with soup kitchens, food banks, and the culinary community to enhance food security for the residents we serve.

  • Encourage Voluntourism for Global Community Impact: Create initiatives that address the unique needs of our global community by promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and social responsibility to enrich the lives of people around the world.

WELLNESS

  • Chef’s Table with Mila’s Kitchen Hawaii: This series brings together health and wellness leaders to share a farm-to-table dining experience t0 promote mindful eating through nourishing plant-based meals while addressing some of society's most significant health challenges.

  • Azul Well-Being: : Explore renowned regions such as Sardinia, Okinawa, Ikaria, and Costa Rica, where people live longer, healthier lives. Engage with local communities and participate in guided farm tours that emphasize sustainable practices. Enjoy hands-on workshops on wellness and nutrition while collaborating with European product companies that share a commitment to sustainability. This program offers restorative retreats focused on holistic well-being and provides opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to wellness and sustainability.

  • SUSTAINABILITY

  • Support for Kona Coffee Farmers: Advocate for the needs of Kona coffee farmers to restore the integrity of Kona coffee. As one of the top agrotourism crops in Hawaii, the legacy of Kona coffee is in our hands.

  • Products for a Cause: Develop a product line called Kona Coffee & Cream, led by Chef Charles Akau, to support agricultural exports worldwide. This line will include products such as Hawaiian salts, honey, vanilla, cacao, and macadamia nuts to promote agrotourism.

  • Mālama Hawai’i Program: Collaborate with the hospitality industry to promote the Mālama Hawai’i Program, educating island visitors about the benefits of giving back during their vacations.

  • Pono Pledge: In partnership with government agencies and non-profits, we will promote Hawaiian culture through the Pono Pledge, educating visitors on stewardship principles and the mālama ‘āina ways of life.

Together, we strive to embody the ideals of Mālama Kōkua—caring for one another and uplifting our community through education, wellness, and collective action.

I pledge to be pono (righteous) when visiting the Hawaiian Islands:

  • I will mindfully seek wonder,

    but not wander where I do not belong.

  • I will not defy death for breathtaking photos,

    trespass or venture beyond safety.

  • I will mālama (care for) land and sea,

    and admire wildlife only from afar.

  • Molten lava will mesmerize me,

    but I will not disrupt its flow.

  • I will not take what is not mine,

    leaving lava rocks and sand as originally found.

  • I will heed ocean conditions,

    never turning my back to the Pacific.

  • When rain falls ma uka (inland),

    I will remain high above ground, out of rivers and streams.

  • I will embrace the concept of being a steward of the land,

    revered as my loving chief.

  • E ʻapo i ke aʻo a hoʻohana, a e ʻoi mau ka naʻauao.

    Those who apply their teachings increase their knowledge.

Please visit: Hawaii Visitors Bureau to take the pledge.