Our Programs
Nā ʻŌpio Waiwai
Our youth engage in conferences, networking events, and community service projects in partnership with other organizations already doing powerful work across Hawaiʻi. Together, we cultivate a sense of belonging, kuleana, and possibility — reminding each young person that they are a vital source of waiwai (wealth, value, and abundance) within our communities. In addition to direct programming, Nā ʻŌpio Waiwai participates in legislative advocacy to create systemic change.
Hoʻiwai Innovative Research Institute
This Hoʻiwai Research Institute was created because we believe research about Native Hawaiians should be led by Native Hawaiians, grounded in our ʻike kūpuna, and guided by the priorities of our communities. Too often, research about us highlights deficits rather than strengths, and the data are controlled by institutions outside of our lāhui. We believe it is time to reclaim this space—to ensure research is for us, by us, with our voices centered, our data protected, and our stories uplifting the strength and resilience of our kānaka.
Hoʻiwai Healing Center
The Hoʻiwai Healing Center in Punaluʻu provides a safe, restorative space for individuals and families impacted by the justice system whether a person has experienced incarceration themselves or has supported a loved one through it. Here, participants reconnect with ʻāina, with food, and with themselves. Through the act of tending the land, planting, harvesting, and learning traditional practices, they also tend to their own healing.
Peer Support Groups
ʻEkolu Mea Nui believes deeply in the value of lived experience. We recognize that those who have walked through incarceration, healing, and transformation carry a unique kind of wisdom that cannot be taught in a classroom. Peer support is the pathway we use to uplift that wisdom.
Through peer support, individuals who have successfully transitioned out of incarceration can guide, mentor, and stand alongside others who are just beginning their journey home. This creates a network of trust, accountability, and encouragement — ensuring that no one has to navigate reentry alone.
Writing Retreats at Hoʻiwai
Looking for a peaceful space to write, reflect, and create? Hoʻiwai offers a welcoming environment for organizations, community groups, and writing collectives to host their own writing retreats. Our space provides a quiet setting surrounded by ʻāina, offering time for connection, inspiration, and focus. Whether you’re working on policy, storytelling, research, or creative writing, we can help create the environment you need to bring your words to life.
We provide:
Space for group or individual writing sessions
Access to cultural and healing practices upon request
Opportunities to connect with ʻāina and community
ʻOhana Day & Keiki Day
At ʻEkolu Mea Nui, we believe in the healing power of ʻohana. Our ʻOhana Day and Keiki Day gatherings celebrate those transitioning out of incarceration by creating intentional space to reconnect, laugh, and simply be together as family.
We know how important it is to strengthen family bonds and provide opportunities for joy, play, and shared meals. Through games, food, and community, we honor the role of ʻohana in healing and reentry. These moments remind us that family connection is key to successful transitions home.
At ʻEkolu Mea Nui, we are proud to participate in and support events like these and to continue creating more opportunities for ʻohana to come together, heal, and thrive beyond the walls.
Hoʻiwai envisions a process where individuals—like water—move through structured pathways of care, growth, and support, emerging stronger, healthier, and ready to contribute back to their communities.
Jamee Miller, ʻEkolu Mea Nuiʻs Co-Founder and President
Our Publications
Past Projects & Events
Empathy Network
#Cut50 has created a network of directly impacted advocates and leaders who serve as the eyes, ears and boots on the ground for nationwide prison reform. ‘Ekolu Mea Nui is #Cut50’s local partner and amongst 300+ grassroots organizations and leaders in 46 states who are committed to sharing stories and working directly with lawmakers on policy solutions.
Talk Story
Our Talk Story series offers a space for collective conversation with both criminal justice experts/advocates and community members alike.
‘EMN Benefit Dinner
An evening to raise awareness about the over-incarceration of Native Hawaiians, and to raise funds to help rehabilitate our brothers and sisters transitioning out of incarceration.
Our Covid-19 Response
Seeds of Change
Help us raise funds to create pono justice system in Hawai‘i that heals and empowers individuals, ‘ohana, and communities. Proceeds from our “Seeds of Change” crack seed go directly towards innovating alternatives to incarceration, restoring the human spirit, building resilient ‘ohana, and changing laws and policies.
#NoPrisonPandemic
We have partnered with Dream Corps and #Cut50 to give our incarcerated population and their ‘ohana a voice during the Covid-19 pandemic. Learn more about our partner campaigns and how you can take a stand.
#Masks4AllHawaii
With the help of Every1ne Hawaii, Windward Community College, and other donors, we have facilitated the donation of over 18,000 masks for the Department of Public Safety to distribute to each correctional facility throughout the state of Hawai‘i. Interested in donating or creating masks for out incarcerated ‘ohana? Send us an email.