La‘i‘Ōpua 2020 Events

Puwalu for VOLA Homesteaders

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:28:21 GMT

Puwalu for VOLA Homesteaders

Connecting Homesteaders with Opportunities

Live Music • Randyʻs HuliHuli Chicken Plates • Waterslide Fun •

Learning Experiences • Pupu & Desserts by the La`i`ōpua Youth Culinary Program

Saturday, October 21, 2023
2:00PM to 6:00PM

Lānai and Lawn at La`i`ōpua 2020

Pā`ina for VOLA Homesteaders and Friends

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:02:24 GMT

Pā`ina for VOLA Homesteaders, Ohana and Friends

LIVE MUSIC • MEA‘AI • WATERSLIDE FUN • GAMES & PRIZES

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Lānai and Lawn at La`i`ōpua 2020

2:00PM to 6:00PM

Ola ka Lāhui

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:37:29 GMT

Saturday, October 15, 2022.

Three beloved Kona kumu offer an afternoon of mele and mo`olelo honoring their home region of Kailua-Kona. Lauhala Weaving , Lei & Pa'i'ai Making.

Ola ka Lāhui

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 22:01:26 GMT

Saturday, August 27th, 2022.

Lauhala Weaving , Lei & Pa'i'ai Making, and talk story about the relationship between hula teacher and student.

Kona Mele Live Launch Event

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 23:28:59 GMT

Sunday, July 3, 2022.

Celebrating the debut of Kona’s only Hawaiian music video, honoring Kona and her celebrated practitioners of Mele & Hula

Ola ka Lāhui

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 20:09:34 GMT

Ola ka Lahui: The Nation Lives On. Upcoming event dates.

La`i`ōpua 2020 Holds Kuhio Day Celebration

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 02:03:23 GMT

La`i`ōpua 2020 Holds Kuhio Day Celebration

An Afternoon of Activities & a Talk Story with Kahu Danny and Anna Akaka

KONA, HAWAI`I (March 1, 2022) – La`i`ōpua 2020 will hold a special Prince Kūhiō Day event the afternoon of Saturday, March 26, from 1:30 to 4:30, at its Kealakehe location, adjacent to the Villages of La`i`ōpua.

The event is free and open to the public; beach chairs and coolers are welcome. Cultural crafts will be demonstrated and shared with participants. The highlight of the afternoon will be a talk story with Kahu Danny and Anna Akaka, hosted by Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba.

This is the first of four “Ola ka Lāhui” events where island historians, kūpuna, story tellers and artisans will share their mana‘o with residents and visitors interested in a deeper connection to Hawai`i’s history, arts, and traditions. The program’s name, “Ola ka Lāhui,” translates to “The Nation Lives On,” reflecting an intent to share the `ike (knowledge) and mo`olelo of Hawai`i for generations to come. Funding for these events is provided by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority through the Kūkulu Ola Program, administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.

Each session will be filmed and aired on Nā Leo public television; the events will also be available for viewing on YouTube and through La`i`ōpua 2020’s website, La`i`ōpua.org.

ABOUT LA`I`ŌPUA 2020

La`i`ōpua 2020 is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide social, recreational, vocational, economic, educational, and cultural opportunities and infrastructure to Native Hawaiians to include the communities of the Kealakehe ahupua`a. It is a place for pilina (building and supporting one another through relationships) and pu`uhonua (a place of comfort, peace, and safety). For more information about La`i`ōpua 2020, visit its website, Laiopua.org, or call 808.327.1221.

Wa’a Community Day

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 07:17:05 GMT

Workspace and Distance Learning Center Opens at Ululoa Hale

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 20:18:11 GMT

MEDIA RELEASE

May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i and this year, on May 1, 2021, La`i`ōpua 2020 (L2020) debuts its Ululoa Hale and invites the community to an Open House to introduce this new workspace center for office work or distance learning. Ululoa Hale, located in Kailua-Kona, adjacent to the West Hawai`i Community Health Center, is at 74-5210 Keanalehu Drive. The Open House will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 1.

Ululoa Hale is newly developed and features collaborative and individual spaces, perfect for a change from the at-home office or for a distance learning experience using high-speed WIFI. Open House participants will tour the space, learn about its features, and be treated to mea`ai, courtesy of the Ironman Foundation.

The Hale is key to L2020’s intention to create a center for education and learning programs, workforce development and community events. The commercial kitchen and open air lānai create new venues and opportunities for events, fundraisers, company or community meetings, and outdoor classes.

L2020 is focused on offering learning opportunities, the first being the Ho’okahua – Business Basics, a series of classes on business building basics such as walking clients through business licensing and incorporation, bookkeeping, marketing, and social media. Subsequent offers will focus on the certified commercial kitchen and value-added food programs.

“It is the goal of Laʻiʻōpua 2020 to co-create mindfully innovative programs where community and culture connect. I am excited to see people come use our workspace, sharing their dreams, networking, building relationships. Ululoa Hale was created for social, workforce and educational development, it’s time to fulfill its purpose,” says Kawehi Inaba, L2020 Board President.

From March to November 2020, the Laʻiʻōpua 2020 Food Program cooked and served 59,597 to-go meals to families in North, Central, South Kona and Kāʻu. The initiative was supported by local restaurants and 150 volunteers, including talented local chefs who put L2020’s on-site commercial kitchen to good use. Plans are being created for the next phase of programs and services for the commercial kitchen to further serve the community.

F or more information about Ululoa Hale rates and availability, please contact: info@laiopua.org .

In the Works & Community Programs

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 19:31:40 GMT

Community Programs

Deeply rooted in its origin, Ululoa Hale is a center for education and learning programs, workplace development, and community events. The addition of the commercial kitchen and open aired lanai will soon create new opportunities for events, fundraisers, company or community meetings, and outdoor classes.

Expanding services to the community in the form of various learning opportunities, the Ho’okahua Learning Series, will soon be in place offering business classes such as Microsoft Office, marketing, business basics, social media and soon to come, culinary teachings.

It is the goal of Laʻiʻōpua 2020 to co-create mindfully innovative programs where community and culture connect. “ I’m excited to see people come use our workspace, sharing their dreams, networking, building relationships. Ululoa Hale was created for workplace and educational development, it’s time to fulfill its purpose. ” – Kawehi Inaba, Board President, L2020.

In the Works

Ho’okahua Business Series: Initially starting with adult business classes such as Microsoft Office, marketing, business basics and social media, please email us to share your suggestions about additional programs for this series.

Laʻiʻōpua 2020 Commercial Kitchen: From March to November 2020, the Laʻiʻōpua 2020 Food Program cooked and served 59,597 to-go meals to families in North, Central, South Kona and Kāʻu. We were supported by 150 volunteers, including talented local chefs who put our on-site commercial kitchen to good use. Plans are being created for the next phase of programs and services for our commercial kitchen to further serve the community.

We invite your suggestions for needed programs and services. Please contact us at: info@laiopua.org .

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 00:41:37 GMT

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year) from us at Laʻiʻōpua 2020. As we begin a new year - we have much to be grateful for. Traditionally in Hawai’i, this time of year marks the end of the Makahiki season - a time of rest, rejuvenation, and celebration during the winter months. In honor of this special season, we wanted to share some fun facts about Makahiki.

Makahiki and the Makaliʻi (Pleiades) Star

The beginning of the Makahiki season was marked by the appearance of the Makali’i star cluster, (or Pleiades) in the eastern night sky after sunset. In Hawaiʻi, Makaliʻi would typically appear in late October or early November, signaling the beginning of the winter season.

Makali’i is a renowned star cluster with significance in many cultures around the world. The star cluster is often referred to as the “Seven Sisters” as it appears to contain seven stars in a cup-like shape when viewed by the naked eye. In reality, it is made up of some 800 stars located about 410 light-years from Earth!

Lono-i-ka-makahiki

Traditionally celebrated from October-February, the Makahiki season honors the god Lono-i-ka-makahiki or Lono. Lono is the god of fertility, agriculture, rain, music, and peace. In Hawaiian mythology, he is one of four major gods - Kū, Lono, Kāne, and Kanaloa.

During the Makahiki season, Hawaiians would cease war and work in order to participate in the festivities and make offerings (hoʻokupu) to Lono. The offerings would typically include the best puaʻa (pigs), kalo (taro), ʻuala (sweet potatoes), hulu (feathers), moena (woven mats), and kapa (Hawaiian barkcloth).

In addition to religious ceremonies, Makahiki was a time for feasting, dancing, and playing games and sports.

Pā’ani Kahiko

There are over one hundred pā’ani kahiko (traditional games) known, a testimony to the true fun-loving and creative nature of the Hawaiian people.

Makahiki games included sports of strength, like Hākōkō (Hawaiian wrestling), games of skill ‘Ō’ō Ihe (spear throwing) and water sports like Lele Pahū (plunging feet first into water to make a big splash), Aho Loa (long breath, or underwater breath holding), and He’e nalu (surfing). There were also games for quiet moods like Kōnane (Hawaiian checkers), Hū (kukui nut top spinning), and Hei (cats cradle).

The End of Makahiki and a New Year

Traditionally, the end of the Makahiki season would be marked by the loading of a tribute canoe (wa‘a ‘auhau) with offerings to Lono. The canoe would then be set adrift in the ocean, to return to Lono’s mystical homeland of Kahiki.

Today, as we move into a new year and out of the Makahiki season, we want to keep a little bit of the Makahiki spirit alive and with us. Make time for rest and rejuvenation. Make offerings and give to others. Seek peace and continue to look for gratitude even in hard times. Most of all, don’t forget to play and enjoy life.

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou from L2020!

6 Benefits of STEM Education For Kids

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 03:08:41 GMT

What is STEM Education? STEM stands for:

S cience
T echnology
E ngineering
M athematics

These can be tough and sometimes intimidating subjects in school. STEM education brings them all together into interactive lessons for keiki that are useful in real life. As part of our after school and summer enrichment program at L2020, we offer STEM activities for students that are both educational and fun. Past activities include building robots, constructing a load-bearing card tower, and a balloon propelled race car. STEM education helps our keiki in so many ways. Here’s 6 benefits of STEM education for kids:

Inspires Creative Thinking

STEM projects don’t have one “right” or “wrong” answer. Often, there are many different ways to solve the problem or complete the project. This encourages students to think outside the box. To ask questions like “what if…?” and come up with their own ideas. Creative thinkers with confidence grow up to be the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Encourages Experimentation

“All of life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Creative thinking requires experimentation. With STEM projects, students get to try out different solutions until they find one that works. Helping our keiki to get comfortable trying new things early on prepares them to take chances and experiment later in life - leading to more possibility and opportunity.

Builds Resilience

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” - Paulo Coelho

STEM activities teach kids to learn from failure, rather than be crushed by it. Compared to the finality of taking a graded exam, STEM projects allow students to try again and again, learning from their mistakes each time. The pressure and expectation of doing it “perfectly” the first time is removed, freeing up students to learn without fear.

Fosters Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills

While STEM projects can be completed alone, they are perfect opportunities for students to work together. Collaborating on a project allows students to practice all kinds of interpersonal skills they need in the real world. They include: listening to the ideas of others, expressing their opinions and ideas, compromising, giving and accepting feedback and criticism, and learning to work through disagreements and conflicts.

Imagine the world we’d live in if more keiki learned to work with others, rather than simply compete against each other?

Real World Application Improves Knowledge Retention

Our brains remember things that are useful to us. Just think about all the random tidbits of information you have committed to memory right now - your auntie’s phone number, the hours of your favorite restaurant, how to change a flat tire...

By applying knowledge to real life projects, students are more likely to retain the lessons learned. The mathematical calculations required to build a toy robot are much more likely to stick in a student’s mind than arbitrary numbers on a test page.

Have Fun!

Fun - our favorite benefit of STEM education for kids. The truth is, play is an important part of being a kid! STEM projects get students up out of their chairs and moving. They result in a toy that they can play with, or involve objects that can be used as toys. Learning doesn’t have to be boring and painful; it can be fun. Helping our keiki cultivate a positive attitude toward learning early on makes it more likely that they’ll stay in school and go onto higher education.

Do you have an elementary school student who could benefit from STEM education? Learn more and enroll in our FREE After School Enrichment Program for Spring 2021 by clicking here

La’i’ōpua 2020 Food Program: 59,597 Meals Served

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 02:51:42 GMT

One thing that makes Hawai’i so special is our spirit of generosity. We may not have much, but people on the Big Island give with a big heart. Food - sharing meals and feeding each other is one of the most basic but meaningful love languages we have.

In March 2020, when our island was hit by the COVID-19 shut-down, thousands of families in our community suddenly found themselves with no income. We realized that this was the time to put the spirit of generosity into action - and quick! Within a few weeks, La’i’ōpua was able to secure funding and hui together with dozens of local businesses and organizations to bring meals to families in need in West Hawaii.

From March to November, the La’i’ōpua 2020 Food Program cooked and served 59,597 to-go meals to families in North, Central, South Kona and Kāʻu. We were supported by 150 volunteers - including some talented local chefs who put our on-site commercial kitchen to good use. Auwe! Those meals were so ono! Shoyu chicken, beef stew, fresh fish, pork and peas, korean pancakes...were just a few of the delicious meals on the menu.

The community response was so overwhelming that in July we expanded our service. We began offering “meals in a bag” - including all the ingredients to cook a meal that feeds 6-8 people and “produce bags” with fresh fruits and veggies for 4-6 people. From July to November, we handed out 3,750 “meals in a bag” and 2,875 “produce bags.”

We are so grateful to be able to serve our community in this way! We want to take this opportunity to recognize the generosity of our partners who helped make the La’i’ōpua Food Program possible:

The Feeding Leaf, Huggoʻs, Ippyʻs Hawaiian BBQ, Chef Chris Dampskey, Chef Kalani Garcia, Prep Chef Bonson Miner, Kohanaiki, Killer Tacos, Randyʻs Huli Chicken & Ribs, Chubbyʻs Diner, Na Leo TV, Westside Irrigation & Landscaping, Mokulele Airlines, Armstrong Produce, EM Rivera & Sons, Kona Athletic Paddling Club, Kona Fish Co., M The Writer, Donna Kimura, Honaunau Market, Councilmember Karen Eoff, Councilmember Rebecca Villegas, Councilmember Maile David, Premier Restoration Services, VP Electric, Wahine Toa-Nita Pilago, Heidi Teves & ʻOhana, Hawaii Island United Way, Hawaii Community Foundation, County of Hawaii, Suisan, and Kealaʻola Farms.

“You don’t have to give people things or money, but you should always feed them.”

This is what Tracey Apoliona, co-owner of The Feeding Leaf remembers her Grandmother telling her while growing up on Moloka’i.

Tracey and her husband Les founded The Feeding Leaf Kitchen and Okazuya in 2014. Their aim is to support local farmers, ranchers, and food producers by using their power as a restaurant “at the end of the food chain”. The name of the restaurant in Hawaiian is he lau ma`ona, which means “the leaves that feed”. Go check them out at 74-5563 Kaiwi St Kailua Kona, HI 96740, Hours: MONDAY thru FRIDAY 630am - 100pm (or until they run out). Follow them on Instagram @thefeedingleaf and Facebook @thefeedingleaf .

We encourage you to follow and support our other local business partners listed above. We couldn’t have done this without them, or our amazing volunteers!

What’s next for La’i’ōpua 2020? As of November 30th 2020, the Food Program will be ending. We are currently cooking up new programs and working with our amazing grant writer to secure more funding to support our community in West Hawaii. Follow us on Facebook @La’i’ōpua2020 and on Instagram @laiopua_2020 and subscribe to our blog for updates!

Christmas Drive-Thru - Dec. 12, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 20:17:16 GMT

Due to a generous donation from the Robertʻs Foundation, L2020 is holding a FREE Community Drive-Thru Event on 12/12 (Saturday), 10am till supplies run out. Weʻll be passing out $30 KTA food gift certificates, one per vehicle to the first 350 vehicles.

Complete Meal in Bag - Sept.24, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 21:46:04 GMT

Chicken Long Rice with Lomilomi Salmon

Date: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Free Hot Meals: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 00:55:39 GMT

L2020 is excited to announce the start of our CARES Act community meal program beginning this Monday, Labor Day! In addition to this FREE drive-thru event for north and central Kona, weʻll be serving the communities of Kealakekua, Honaunau, Hoʻokena, Oceanview, Naʻalehu and Pahala. A big mahalo to the County of Hawaiʻi, COH Research & Development and the office of Council Lady, Karen Eoff and her staff. Please help us share the good word.

Complete Meal in Bag - Sept. 17 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 22:57:53 GMT

Ritz Cracker Chicken

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2020

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Fresh Mea Kanu Tuesdays

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 18:04:23 GMT

Every Tuesday, Complimentary bag of produce at Laʻiʻ ō pua Center.

PLEASE KŌKUA

In the spirit of social distancing and aloha, please don't exit your vehicle. Volunteers will bring the produce bags to your car. One bag of produce per car. Bases on availability/supply.

Complete Meal in Bag - Sept. 10, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 21:14:03 GMT

SFE Simple Fast Easy Enchilada Casserole

Date: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in Bag - Sept 3, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 21:28:47 GMT

Kālua Pig with Cabbage & Rice

Date: Thursday, July 9

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in Bag - Aug 27, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 00:46:39 GMT

Beef-Mushroom Stew

Date: Thursday, Aug 27

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in Bag - Aug 20, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 00:50:11 GMT

Easy Beef Stew with Rice

Date: Thursday, Aug 20

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in Bag - Aug 13, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 01:12:01 GMT

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce & Fresh Bread

Date: Thursday, Aug 13

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in Bag - Aug 6, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 01:40:09 GMT

Mushroom Pork Chops with Rice

Date: Thursday, Aug 6

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in Bag - July 30, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:38:18 GMT

Chicken Long Rice with Lomilomi Salmon

Date: Thursday, July 30

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in Bag - July 23, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 00:18:35 GMT

Ritz Cracker Chicken

Date: Thursday, July 23

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in Bag - July 16, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 21:55:05 GMT

Simple Fast Easy Enchilada Casserole

Date: Thursday, July 16

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in Bag - July 9, 2020

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 18:15:26 GMT

Kālua Pig with Cabbage & Rice

Date: Thursday, July 9

Time: Pickup from 5 pm until supplies last

Complete Meal in a Bag Every Thursday

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 01:07:57 GMT

Every Thursday.
Complete meal in a bag, all ingredients and a recipe to prepare at your convenience!

For the latest news and events follow us

Fresh Produce Tuesdays

lesli@keepsimpledesign.com (Lesli Lindgren) — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 02:34:22 GMT

Every Tuesday, Complimentary bag of produce at LaʻiʻŌpua Center.

PLEASE KŌKUA

In the spirit of social distancing and aloha, please don't exit your vehicle. Volunteers will bring the produce bags to your car. One bag of produce per car. Bases on availability/supply.

La‘i‘Ōpua 2020 Events

Puwalu for VOLA Homesteaders

Puwalu for VOLA Homesteaders

Pā`ina for VOLA Homesteaders and Friends

Pā`ina for VOLA Homesteaders, Ohana and Friends

Ola ka Lāhui

Ola ka Lāhui

Kona Mele Live Launch Event

Ola ka Lāhui

La`i`ōpua 2020 Holds Kuhio Day Celebration

La`i`ōpua 2020 Holds Kuhio Day Celebration

An Afternoon of Activities & a Talk Story with Kahu Danny and Anna Akaka

Wa’a Community Day

Workspace and Distance Learning Center Opens at Ululoa Hale

MEDIA RELEASE

In the Works & Community Programs

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou

Makahiki and the Makaliʻi (Pleiades) Star

Lono-i-ka-makahiki

Pā’ani Kahiko

The End of Makahiki and a New Year

6 Benefits of STEM Education For Kids

Inspires Creative Thinking

Encourages Experimentation

Builds Resilience

Fosters Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills

Real World Application Improves Knowledge Retention

Have Fun!

La’i’ōpua 2020 Food Program: 59,597 Meals Served

“You don’t have to give people things or money, but you should always feed them.”

Christmas Drive-Thru - Dec. 12, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - Sept.24, 2020

Free Hot Meals: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

Complete Meal in Bag - Sept. 17 2020

Fresh Mea Kanu Tuesdays

Complete Meal in Bag - Sept. 10, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - Sept 3, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - Aug 27, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - Aug 20, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - Aug 13, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - Aug 6, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - July 30, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - July 23, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - July 16, 2020

Complete Meal in Bag - July 9, 2020

Complete Meal in a Bag Every Thursday

Fresh Produce Tuesdays

For latest news and events follow us