Explore place-based entrepreneurship at Nalukai Academy
Nalukai Academy Fall 2025 will be held from October 6-11 in Hilo at Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language. Student applications due on September 14
This Fall Break, Nalukai is offering East Hawaiʻi Island high school students a free introduction to social entrepreneurship focusing on leadership, innovative stewardship and effective communication. Over 6 days of engaging workshops, students will work with local industry experts, cultural practitioners, and community leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our island, collaborate to develop products, services, and campaigns to remedy them, then pitch their solutions to the community.
Innovative Stewardship
Leadership
Effective Communication
Dates: October 6-11, 2025
Location: Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language at UH Hilo (113 Nowelo St, Hilo, HI 96720)
6-hour sessions held daily 9:30am-3:30pm
All program supplies and materials are provided, including lunch
All participants will receive a brand-new laptop that they may keep upon completion of program
Open to current East Hawaiʻi Island high school students, including those at Keaʻau High School, Pāhoa High School, Kamehameha Schools Keaʻau Campus, Waiakea High School, Hilo High School, Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalani'ōpuʻu, Ka ʻŪmeke Kāʻeo, and Kua o Ka Lā
Student applications are due on September 14, 2025
Nalukai Academy Fall ‘25 Details
Check out the video above to hear from students and facilitators from past regional Nalukai Academy programs.
About the Program
Over 6 consecutive days, student Founders will identify and research significant local issues, engage with the community to ideate and validate potential solutions, and pitch their ventures to a live Hōʻike audience.
Students can expect to gain an introduction to entrepreneurship and grow their leadership skills while learning how to serve their unique East Hawai’i communities.
Utilizing the Nā Hopena Aʻo framework’s structure and outcomes as its foundation, Nalukai Academy Fall provides students with a uniquely compelling introduction to Design Thinking and Lean Startup practices contextualized by the moʻolelo, values and challenges of their communities.
