Liliʻuokalani Trust's Families Grow Stronger — One Kumulau Activity at a Time 2024-11-20 Liliʻuokalani Trust's Families Grow Stronger — One Kumulau Activity at a Time 1 / 14 Armed with carving tools, the Doponte family huddled around a trio of giant pumpkins as they took turns scooping out seeds and carving eyes into the orange flesh. Pumpkin aroma filled the air. They — and 10 other ʻohana in the room — were participating in Kumulau, a monthly program by Liliʻuokalani Trust to strengthen family relationships through shared activities.For the Doponteʻs mom, Kumulau wasnʻt just a box to check off her list. It represented her arrival at full circle. “I was involved with Liliʻuokalani Trust programming 30 years ago,” she smiled, as her children carved a grin on another pumpkin. Kumulau draws families together, something they all craved and needed, she said.Kumulau (Hawaiian translation: “a root with many sprouts”) mirrors the belief that ʻohana is the foundation upon which children grow and thrive. Strong family connections create resilient, thriving communities — especially children. This was the legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani who established her Trust in 1909 to support Native Hawaiian youth.Kumulau provides family-centered activities like lei-making and movies, and Hawaiian cultural themes like aliʻi (royalty), moʻolelo (stories), and mele (song). The families meet online or in person at LT program sites across Oʻahu. Virtual gatherings are a welcome addition for the youth on their way to sports practice and other commitments. Tracy P., who joined Kumulau with her son, noted: “Ethan only has his dad and me in his life. Even though we're close-knit, being surrounded by his community family fills the empty spaces we can't. Mahalo piha to all the Kumulau Aunties for being a part of my mama tribe!”A recent shift in the Kumulau program, now in its third year, is the increasing participation of fathers and kāne role models. And more than 75% of the families in Kumulau are non-traditional — many are single-parent households, foster families, or extended families raising children.Today, over 40 ʻohana are members of Kumulau, with attendance rates consistently rising. With more involvement, Kumulau will continue to provide a supportive, welcoming, and safe environment where all ‘ohana — no matter their structure — can grow, connect, and thrive across the pae ‘āina.********************************************************************RELATED STORIES:Healing at Sea: Lahainaʻs Children Sail with the Hoʻōla Connection LTʻs Children Create Lap Steel Guitars Using Timbers from a Loʻi