Within the larger ʻAha Kūkalahale convening, Kealaiwikuamo‘o staff helped participants reflect on the continued growth of the network and its role within a broader movement advancing ea Hawaiʻi. Kanaeokana was uplifted not as a single entity or group, but as a living network shaped and carried by its participants over time.

Grounded in the Palapala ʻŌnaehana Hoʻonaʻauao Hawaiʻi, the shared guide developed by members, this work continues to be guided by a collective vision, structure, and set of priorities that have been built and refined across ʻAha Kūkā. This kahua enables Kanaeokana to move with alignment and purpose, while remaining responsive to the needs and leadership of the lāhui.

Themes carried forward:

• Kanaeokana as a networked movement rooted in collective kuleana
• The palapala, handbook, and advocacy survey as a living framework guiding direction and decision-making
• Continued alignment with broader ʻŌiwi-led efforts across education, culture, and community
• The role of Kanaeokana as a connector, amplifier, and catalyst within a larger ecosystem

“Ea Mai Hawai‘i”

• • Our Why
  • Early years as a network: Development of a shared vision, mission, and strategic goals.
  • Amplifying the voices of aloha ‘āina leaders and our lāhui from the front lines
  • “Kuleana is the boss”
  • “Kanaeokana moves at the speed of trust”
  • “Collective intelligence”
  • To prioritize the renormalization of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i in all sectors of society. Exemplar projects: Duolingo (1.5 Million Learners, Over 758,000 currently active), ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Kākou, Ke Kāniwala Aupuni Hawai‘i, Ola ka ‘Ī: Ko‘olau, Ewa, Maui.
  • To generate and advocate for Kanaeokana policy positions. Examples how Kanaeokana amplifies community voices that are active and advocating for important issues: Maunakea, Kapūkaki, Lahaina, Water Commission (Kaleo Manuel’s reinstatement)
  • To develop and share educational resources, ideas, approaches, and strategies through a centralized, virtual waihona. 
  • To ensure multi-generational continuity and synergy in the evolving work of Kanaeokana. Examples: Aloha ‘Āina Leader Awards

Kanaeokana members engaged in targeted opportunities embedded within the convening to help shape next steps for the network. This included:

• Providing important and meaningful direction via an Advocacy Survey that continues to inform Kanaeokana’s policy and advocacy priorities
• Review, input, and ratification of the Ea Hawaiʻi section of the Palapala ʻŌnaehana Hoʻonaʻauao Hawaiʻi
• Reflections on Kanaeokana’s continued evolution as a network and its role within a broader movement for aloha ‘āina and ea

Insights gathered are informing ongoing work and guide priorities leading into the next ʻAha Kūkā.

Interactive and ʻike-rich spaces throughout ʻAha Kūkalahale reinforced learning through experience. Participants engaged with cultural workshops, practitioner-led sessions, and community vendor spaces that highlighted ʻike Hawaiʻi in action.

Kanaeokana elements, including ʻike, resources, and engagement opportunities, were integrated into the broader convening—supporting the sharing of tools, ideas, and ʻike across participants while strengthening connections to waihona and other network resources. An introduction to the E Ola! XP, a place-based initiative that brings moʻolelo to life through everyday experiences, strengthening ʻŌiwi identity and connection to ʻāina which will open in Kamehameha Center Kapālama 2026.