In Working, One Learns

ABOUT US

Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke is an award-winning vocational training program for K-12 youth and graduates of our programs in Hāna, Maui—an isolated community on the island’s east coast with over two-thirds its population of Native Hawaiian ancestry.

Our approach is to teach academic subjects through real-life, hands-on application, where students can understand the concepts they’re learning through tangible examples. Our projects meet real school and community needs, so our students’ education immediately serves those whose lives it touches.

Self-sustenance, community relationship, cultural connection—these are some of the principles we aim to pass onto the next generation, as we create caretakers of our future, leaders of our island.

The mission of Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke (In Working, One Learns) is to provide Hāna youth with a way to learn that makes sense to them, that builds their self-esteem and shows them they have the power to change their future.

Please follow this link to view our awards in the Stories section.

Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike’s Learning Continuum

Our learning continuum is a cyclical process in which we encourage students to become the caretakers of our community. Beginning as student apprentices, they learn, grow, and then transition to graduate apprentices, graduate teachers, and staff members.

We provide opportunities for students to elevate their skillset and knowledge, and then teach the next generation.

We are dedicated to providing meaningful, mission-driven, and competitive work opportunities right here at home.

Please follow this link to read a Civil Beat article on Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike’s philosophy.