In the heart of Waihe‘e, O‘ahu, nestled under the protection of the mighty Ko‘olau Mountains, lies KEY Project’s Nā Pua o Ko‘olau Kūpuna Program. Rooted in honoring those who served us, this free program offers a safe haven where kūpuna ages 50 years and older living from Kane’ohe to Kahuku can thrive through weekly social engagement, food and nourishment, and immersion in Hawaiian culture.
At the core of the Kūpuna Program are its weekly social activities, including catered meals at Kūpuna Breakfast and Kūpuna Lunch. Other workshops serve as a bridge to perpetuate Hawaiian cultural arts, traditions and practices. Through hands-on experiences, kūpuna learn lei-making, ulana lau niu (coconut frond weaving), Hawaiian quilting and more. With the program’s intention to keep kūpuna mobile, they also visit neighboring wahi pana (legendary places) on monthly huaka‘i (trips) from Waihe‘e Watershed Tunnel, to exploring lo‘i kalo (taro patches), and traveling by boat to hear the mo‘olelo (stories, myths an legends) of Moku o Lo‘e (Coconut Island, a 28-acre island in Kane’ohe Bay). Each month is an adventure waiting to happen!
Overall, KEY Project’s Nā Pua o Ko‘olau Kūpuna Program celebrates the golden years of life. Serving as that second home for many, you will quickly discover the key to its success are the program members themselves. Sign up for free at keyproject.org/kupuna-program or pick up a form at our office to be our next “pua” (flower)!
KEY PROJECT (nonprofit)
47-200 Waihee Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744
808-239-5777 | kupuna@keyproject.org
keyproject.org
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