Year 1

Aloha House provides culturally grounded community events and behavioral health groups to support families impacted by the Maui disasters.

The program includes twice-monthly cultural events in Lahaina featuring hands-on activities and traditional crafts, with mental health providers and case managers available to offer support and referrals. Weekly evening group sessions also provide structured behavioral health services, incorporating kūkākūkā (talk story) as a culturally rooted approach to healing and connection.

Guided by Nā Ala ʻIke Cultural Pathways, the program supports self-discovery, cultural connection, and healing while partnering with community organizations serving survivors and families. Outreach and scheduling information are shared through the Lahaina Strong database to ensure broad access and participation.

Year 2

Building Pilina and Purpose

Since the August 8, 2023 wildfire disasters, Aloha House staff have provided emotional support, substance use treatment, and case management services to meet the immediate and long-term needs of those directly and indirectly affected by the disasters. This hands-on work with individuals, families and community organizations has provided the organization with a tremendous amount of experience and insight as to the needs of this population, and the evolution of those needs over time. In addition, Aloha House CEO Nicole Hokoana is a member of the Long Term Recovery Group, which identifies unmet needs for fire survivors. If those needs include behavioral health services, Aloha House is readily available to provide those services. At this time, Aloha House endeavors to continue to meet the behavioral health needs of those directly and indirectly affected by the disasters with a year-2 project: Building Pilina and Purpose. This project will build on past learning and experience to provide safe, supportive activities, groups, and individual services that are culturally appropriate and impactful for participants.

Year 3

Maui Healing Forward: Community Wellness & Mental Health Capacity

Aloha House is strengthening long-term community wellness by expanding access to culturally aligned mental health services and creating sustainable pathways for individuals and families to heal, connect, and thrive.

This initiative builds local capacity by supporting pre-licensed mental health professionals on their path to licensure and developing a skilled network of mental health support staff. Through hands-on training and experience across multiple service areas, staff are equipped to provide responsive, community-centered care.

Aloha House offers a continuum of culturally grounded services across West Maui that support healing and resilience. This includes community-based events that integrate cultural and wellness activities with early mental health support, year-round youth programming focused on coping skills and trauma recovery, and land-based healing activities that reconnect families to place and cultural identity. The program also facilitates group healing circles that provide safe, supportive environments for shared healing and growth.

For individuals and families with higher levels of need, Aloha House provides counseling, crisis support, and coordinated care, ensuring seamless transitions through warm hand-offs and trusted community referrals.

Grounded in relationships, cultural integrity, and collaboration, Aloha House continues to strengthen community connection through ongoing outreach, healing-centered programming, and accessible pathways to care.