Go to homepage

Liliʻuokalani Center

Nā Mea ʻOno: Summer Culinary Explorations invites kamaliʻi ages 14–17 to learn, create, and connect through food. This hands-on program blends cooking, culture, and creative expression while helping you build confidence and practical kitchen skills.

You’ll explore Hawaiian and local food traditions while learning how food connects ʻāina, ʻohana, and community. Through cooking sessions and cultural learning, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of where food comes from and why it matters. Along the way, you’ll build skills you can use at home and beyond the kitchen.

You’ll also learn from local cultural practitioners and guest speakers, including Chef Sam Choy, who share their experiences and ʻike connected to food and place. These stories and lessons help you see food as more than a meal. Food becomes a way to share culture, history, and connection.

In partnership with Honey Baby Productions, LLC, a local film production company, you’ll also explore food as kumu. Through creative activities, you’ll reflect on your learning and express your relationship to food in new and meaningful ways.

This program is about confidence, creativity, and connection. Whether you love to cook or are just getting started, you’ll be supported as you learn, experiment, and grow through ʻono food and shared experience.

Come ready to cook, learn, and connect through culture and community.

*All are welcome to apply with preference given to Native Hawaiian kamaliʻi.

Ages: 14 - 17

Schedule: Monday - Friday
Time: 9 am - 3 pm
Start Date: 6/22/26
End Date: 7/17/26