5th annual ‘Ohana Fest coming April 26 with new youth talent show
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This year’s 'Ohana Fest will come with a new ʻŌpio Talent Show aimed at showcasing local youth and celebrating their contributions in the community.
Talent categories include singing, dancing, comedy, poetry, cultural performances and more. Parents can register youth ages 5 to 17 at hooikaikapartnership.com/ .
The fifth annual 'Ohana Fest will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 at the Great Lawn at UH Maui College, offering people a fun, free community event featuring cultural activities, games, giveaways and resources for families. According to organizers, more than 20 local agencies are participating.
In addition to the ʻŌpio (youth) Talent Show, which will be emceed by Sista Val from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be Native Hawaiian cultural activities, games and raffle prizes. Also, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen's proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month will be read at 10:15 a.m., organized by Friends of the Children's Justice Center of Maui.
The theme of this year's festival is focused on strengthening family bonds, healing and building resilience as the community continues to recover from disaster.
"The 'Ohana Fest is all about supporting families, especially when times are tough. There's no shame - everyone needs help sometimes," said Euconfra "Connie" Meekhof, the Maui Family Peace Center program supervisor and Hoʻoikaika Leadership Hui representative, in a news release.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Ho'oikaika Partnership invites the Maui Nui community to the fifth annual 'Ohana Fest on April 26 at UH Maui College. Courtesy photo
FCJC of Maui has spearheaded the collaboration with the mayor's office to recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
"The reading of Mayor Bissen's proclamation highlights the importance of community efforts like the ʻOhana Fest to prevent child maltreatment and support families, ultimately ensuring our keiki’s safety and well-being," said Paul Tonnessen, executive director of Friends of the Children's Justice Center.
The Hoʻoikaika Partnership is also encouraging families to visit the Smiles for Miles Health and Wellness Event at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center the same day as the festival. Partner and allied organizations will host health and dental screenings, activities and more.
Founded in 2008, the Hoʻoikaika Partnership is a coalition of community organizations, individuals, county and state agencies united to prevent child abuse and neglect in Maui County. For more , visit Hoʻoikaika Partnership's website or email info@hooikaikapartnership.com.
Anyone who has concerns about a child in Maui County who may be a victim of abuse or neglect should call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-380-3088. Callers can remain anonymous.
2025 ʻOhana Fest Participating Agencies
1. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui
2. Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi
3. Child & Family Service
4. Child Welfare Services
5. Community Children’s Council/ Dept. of Education
6. Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, County of Maui
7. DOH/CAMHD/Maui Family Guidance Center
8. Family Hui Hawaiʻi
9. Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui
10. Goodwill Hawaiʻi- Ola I ka Hana youth program
11. Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network
12. Holoholo Bookmobile, Hawaiʻi State Public Library System
13. Imua Family Services
14. Keiki O Ka ʻĀina
15. Kids Hurt Too Hawaiʻi
16. Mālama I Ke Ola Health Center
17. Maui Economic Opportunity
18. Maui Family Support Services
19. Maui Humane Society
20. Maui Youth and Family Services
21. Parents And Children Together
22. Partners In Development Foundation Ka Pa’alana Homeless Family Education Program
23. Pediatric Therapies Hawaiʻi
24. Piha Wellness and Healing
25. Project Vision Hawaiʻi
26. State of Hawaiʻi – Department of Education
27. Teran James Young Foundation
28. Village of Hope Maui