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On a sunny afternoon in September, kamaliʻi of Liliʻuokalani Trust boarded the Trilogy II catamaran, ready to sail along the west coast of Maui. These kamaliʻi — ranging from toddlers through teens — were survivors of the wildfires that destroyed Lahaina and parts of upcountry Maui on Aug. 8, 2023.

The past year presented them with many trials, including displacement from homes and schools. The journey aboard the Trilogy II offered respite.

As they sailed along the coastline, the children shared in their collective grief, creating an environment conducive to healing. Some even challenged one another to bravely plunge into the ocean, where lifeguards waited.

The ocean excursion was part of the Trust’s initiative, “Hoʻōla Connection,” to support Maui’s youth in the aftermath of the fires. To make the experience possible, the Trust partnered with Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit group, For Children to Flourish, to provide the boat, crew, and resources.

As the catamaran docked at Maʻalaea Bay later that afternoon, the children's smiles were full of hope. Thriving Native Hawaiian children was Queen Liliʻuokalani's mission when she established her Trust in 1909.

The kamaliʻi aboard the catamaran, with their resilient spirits, are helping to fulfill that promise.