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Empowering the Teenage Girls of ʻAha ʻŌpio Wāhine

The most challenging part of ʻAha ʻŌpio Wāhine monthly meetings is saying goodbye. The participants — young women ages 11 to 17 — often linger behind, reluctant to part ways due to close bonds with one another and their adult leaders from Liliʻuokalani Trust.

ʻAha ʻŌpio Wāhine (AOW), established in early 2024 by the visionary leaders at Kīpuka Koʻolau Poko, is a young women’s assembly that blends ʻike kupuna (knowledge of ancestors and elderly people) practices with modern-day applications for school, family, and community life. It is one of many programs at the Trust that nurture the social-emotional development and cultural identity of adolescents.

“I’ve learned a lot, like being more confident in myself as a woman,” says Kirrah, a participant.

The launch of AOW comes at a pivotal time for the tween and teen girls, who are navigating the complexities of friends and academics after nearly three years of isolation and social restrictions due to the COVID pandemic.

“For some of these girls, the pandemic came during elementary years, they skipped middle school, now they’re going into high school, and they may not know how to assimilate with their peers,” says Kaʻaiʻai Paglinawan, Social Worker and Hoʻopono Practitioner at Kīpuka Koʻolau Poko.

To address these challenges, AOW leaders introduced the theme, “Kuleana (responsibility) and Kulana (roles).” Talk story sessions and activities encourage the girls to explore the concepts.

Although some girls admit they are not always comfortable with their role in families or schools, they know “they have the support of their aunties at the Trust and their peers,” says Hiʻipoi Ho, Direct Services Specialist at Kīpuka Koʻolau Poko. “It is important for them to realize that they are not alone in their struggles and experiences. We want them to feel loved and supported, knowing that they have a community that stands beside them.”

The girls also draw comfort in Hawaiian practices. Monthly meetings begin with a traditional protocol, such as a chant. Before meals and snacks, one of the girls delivers a pule (blessing) to express gratitude. During a recent beach gathering, the group participated in kapu kai, a ceremonial water cleanse meant to purify and renew their spirits.

Hailey, who regularly attends meetings, reflects on her experiences: “I am learning patience, Hawaiian values, and emotional intelligence,” she says. “Because of the wahine group, I’ve grown to appreciate my Hawaiian identity and strengthen my sense of self in my culture.”

Young women (ʻōpio wāhine) are empowered when they possess the knowledge of their ancestors (ʻike kupuna), says Jazmynn Oliveira, Social Services Team Lead at Kīpuka Koʻolau Poko. “By integrating ʻike kupuna with contemporary activities, the group fosters the holistic well-being of young women — physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually,” she says. “As they develop their self-identities and find their purpose, the participants embrace hoʻowahine (womanhood).”

Teammates at the kīpuka are enthusiastic about the group’s progress and express gratitude for the Queen’s trust, which provides the resources to support Hawaiian children — including these young women.

Paglinawan adds, “A wahine group based on a foundation of culture can open up our children’s eyes to the endless possibilities. The stars are not even a limit anymore because they can chart their course.”

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