Supporting youth entrepreneurs in Hawaiʻi since 2016
We prepare youth to navigate challenges as stewards of Hawaiʻi through entrepreneurial leadership programs grounded in Native Hawaiian perspectives. Since its inception in 2016, Nalukai has been dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in Hawaiʻi by fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship with a strong foundation in cultural stewardship.
Nalukai Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
OUR MISSION
At Nalukai, we believe problem-solving in Hawaiʻi must be rooted in the unique landscape of our pae ʻāina and shaped by the lived experiences of our people. Our holistic model of business and leadership development equips young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to tackle Hawaiʻiʻs biggest issues while growing as people and community contributors.
Hawaiʻi’s “wicked” challenges – housing, energy, food security, and more – will take generations to solve. We prepare the next generation of changemakers by engaging them in collaborative, real-world projects today, so they build the skills, mindsets, and relationships needed to create lasting solutions for tomorrow.
OUR APPROACH
Nalukai began in 2016 when Waimea-born entrepreneur Darius “Bubs” Monsef recognized that many young people in Hawaiʻi with big ideas lacked access to peers and mentors who could help guide their ambition. What started as a tech-focused start-up camp, or “hacker camp” as we fondly called it, quickly grew into something more: a learning lab where students can tackle Hawaiʻi’s problems with creativity, collaboration, and purpose.
Today, Nalukai empowers high school students through entrepreneurial leadership programs that blend innovation with Native Hawaiian values and ʻāina-based perspectives. By connecting youth with mentors, peers, and hands-on experiences, we nurture the next generation of leaders who will chart a sustainable, culturally-grounded future for Hawaiʻi.
We remain rooted in the trust that our youth have the creativity and resilience to drive the next wave of social, cultural, and economic innovation in Hawaiʻi. Nalukai believes in the power of youth, and exists to help them thrive.
OUR STORY
Nalukai is about trying to support youth specifically in the ways I experienced as the most challenging. A peer group of like minded friends. Expert mentors. Access to professional tools, and a voice constantly and confidently telling me "I believe in you. You can do big things."
