Helping Young People Realize Their Full Potential
Our Youth Opportunity Pillar invests in the growth, health, and future of Maui County's young people. We support afterschool and childcare programs, educational enrichment, and access to learning materials that spark curiosity and confidence. By advancing food security, health care, and mental health services for youth, and expanding recreation, social support, and workforce development opportunities, we help build pathways for every child and teen to thrive. When we invest in our youth, we strengthen families, energize communities, and create a healthier, more resilient community for all.
Maui United Way’s “Tools for Schools” program provided $15,000 in gift cards to help teachers purchase school supplies, with $6,000 directed to Molokai schools. Focused on campuses with the highest percentage of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, this initiative eases the financial burden on educators while ensuring keiki have the tools they need to learn and thrive. The program reflects Maui United Way’s continued commitment to educational equity and community well-being.
Maui United Way awarded $85,000 to Imua Family Services to support its emergency preschool at the Imua Discovery Garden in Wailuku. Established in response to the August 2023 wildfires, the tuition-free Imua Preschool provides early childhood education and mental health support for children directly and indirectly affected by the fires. This investment helps ensure that Maui’s youngest wildfire survivors have a safe, nurturing space to learn, heal, and thrive.
Maui United Way is supporting the Keiki ‘ai ‘āina program with a $6,500 grant to provide 80 food boxes to Hāna School students during spring break. Led by the Hāna Farmers Market, this initiative addresses food insecurity in East Maui by offering farm-fresh, culturally relevant foods while supporting local farmers and fishers. The program also promotes nutrition education and strengthens the rural food economy.
In a heartwarming show of community support, five Maui foster youth received brand-new bikes, helmets, locks, and $100 gift cards thanks to a collaboration between Maui Postgraduate Dental Forum, Maui United Way, and Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui. The surprise event, held at King Kamehameha Golf Club, was made possible by donations from Central Pacific Bank, Nobel Biocare, and MPDF, with bike assembly and safety lessons provided by Krank Cycles. This uplifting initiative brought joy and opportunity to deserving youth through the power of local partnership.
Maui United Way and Friends of the Children’s Justice Center, with support from Pacific Media Group and community partners, delivered holiday joy to over 2,100 children across Maui, Lānaʻi, and Moloka‘i through their annual Holiday Toy Drive. With gifts donated by individuals and organizations island-wide, the drive fulfilled 100% of requests, ensuring that keiki in need experienced the warmth and generosity of the season. Now in its ninth year, the toy drive reflects the power of community collaboration and aloha in action.
To support the recovery of Lahaina’s students, Maui United Way is funding the installation of a new children’s playhouse at the temporary King Kamehameha III Elementary School site. This builds on earlier contributions, including $178,000 for a DOE playground, over $10,000 in art room supplies, and support for bike safety. These efforts aim to create joyful, healing spaces where keiki can play, express themselves, and recover from trauma in a safe and nurturing environment.
MUW provided funding to provide a transformative senior class field trip for the 12th-grade Hawaiian Immersion students of Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Lahainaluna. The trip to Disneyland’s Lā ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi event during Hawaiian Language Month offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse students in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) in a globally recognized setting. By participating in activities and events that highlight Hawaiian culture, students deepened their connection to their heritage, enhanced their language skills, and celebrated the resilience of their community after the challenges of the Maui wildfires.
Maui United Way is supporting Kilohana residents with $10,900 in funding for essential wayfinding and infrastructure not covered by FEMA. The project includes a community entrance sign, house number markers, a weather-resistant bulletin board for sharing resources, and secure bike racks to support mobility. All items are ADA-compliant, designed for temporary use, and will be removed after the program concludes—enhancing daily life and community connection during recovery.