Hoʻokanaka ʻAha Kāne: A Coming-of-Age Camp for Hawaiian ʻŌpio Kane on Molokai

Molokai, affectionately known as the “Friendly Isle,” embraces a close-knit community, natural environment, and laid-back lifestyle. On this island, Liliʻuokalani Trust maintains Kīpuka Molokai, just minutes away from the island’s main town, Kaunakakai.

In June 2024, ʻōpio kane (young men) from Kīpuka Molokai participated in Hoʻokanaka ʻAha Kāne, a camp exclusively for male teens ages 13-17. The camp’s mission was to encourage participants’ physical, personal, and spiritual growth while instilling a deeper appreciation for Molokai as their ancestral home.

Hoʻokanaka ʻAha Kāne was held at Kiowea Pavilion & Park. For three days and four nights, the ʻōpio kane were taught skills to help them grow and learn. They gathered food from the hohonu kai and ʻāina; safely handled cooking tools and equipment, such as sharp knives and fires; participated in public speaking lessons and oratory challenges to refine their poise; and learned about Molokai’s traditions and practices.

In culinary sessions by Uncle Ikaika Molina, the ʻōpio learned the importance of feeding and nurturing their families and community. One participant reflected: “I usually just ate lots of unhealthy snacks, but now I know that was not good for me. Now, I know I can make good healthy food that I want to eat, instead."

The ʻopio had another memorable experience at camp: Warrior training, where they honed their skills in the art of wielding an ʻihe (spear).

As they learned to throw spears and defend themselves, the process became a metaphor for building strong relationships. When the youth intentionally threw spears, they were reminded of the importance of targeting and solidifying healthy relationships. Catching and dodging spears was akin to navigating bullying and negativity in their daily lives.

Said a participant, “At first I felt unbalanced, and I just wanted to throw the ʻihe hard, but after taking my time and practicing, I got it.”

The ʻōpio also had the privilege of learning from a community leader, Uncle Bobby Alcain, who shared his ʻike kupuna (ancestral knowledge) and the moʻolelo's (stories) of Molokai.

Uncle Bobby left a strong impression on the ʻōpio. “My favorite part was planting kukui o Lanikaula,” said a participant. “It was a very spiritual place, and I could tell right away that Uncle Bobby had plenty mana (power/prestige). I felt good planting my kukui tree and making our island stand taller."

In the kīpuka and away from the campsite, Youth Leaders mentored the ʻōpio on public-speaking skills — posture, tone of voice, and choice of words. The youth chose topics significant to Molokai, debated one another in oratory challenges, and gracefully accepted victory and defeat.

A participant likened the debates to a “battlefield of words, a chess game where we spoke our truth,” he said.

The Hoʻokanaka ʻAha Kāne camp was a prime example of LT’s commitment to youth-focused programs on the island. At Kīpuka Molokai, Teammates are dedicated to the Queen’s mission to support Hawaiʻi’s youth.

Youth Leaders from the kīpuka also appreciated the experience. Here are their thoughts:  

“My hope for these young men is to remember who their people were and where they come from. It will prepare them to withstand anything that this world may throw at them because they will come to find how powerful our ancestors truly were. Life today for these young men can be complicated, but there is a deep wisdom, knowledge, and power in the blueprint that was left for us in the past. Not just for themselves but for their families, future generations, the greater community, and the world. Both mauli ola and kanaka find themselves in the essence of our Hawaiian culture.”

–Kanoa Beair, Direct Services Specialist, Kīpuka Molokai

“My hope for the future of LT’s kamaliʻi on Molokai is that they will improve their knowledge of Hawaiian cultural values, which will create more connection to the ʻāina, ancestors, and a path to a future where they will thrive anywhere they choose to live. My hope for the future of Molokai families is that they will learn more about available resources — both on Molokai and abroad — to support their ʻohana when needed. I hope they can recognize when they need to reach out for help, and not be ashamed to do so."

–Michael Holm, Direct Services Specialist, Kīpuka Molokai