Cultivating The Native Hawaiian Culture and Values Across Oregon & SW Washington
Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona Hawaiian Civic Club
Established in 2019, Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona Hawaiian Civic Club of Oregon & SW Washington, or KALO HCC, is a 501(c)3 organization that works to bring awareness to the importance of kalo (taro) and Hāloa (first Hawaiian) in remembrance of our Native Hawaiian communities back home and on the continent – thus, creating an opportunity to reindigenize and reconnect our lāhui (people) to the ʻāina (land) and moʻomēheu (cultural identity and values).
Cultivating the Next Generation
Prince Kūhiō valued education and believed it was fundamental to building a strong lahui. In Oregon, though opportunities are limited, we have a unique chance to provide educational resources to PI-youth.
Striving for a Thriving Community
KALO works to bring practitioners to the continent to reconnect us with knowledge passed down through generations. Reclaiming our identity in spaces where we are not the majority deepens our understanding of being Native Hawaiian in the diaspora.
Building a Resilient Community
KALO focuses on uplifting cultural identity and addressing the needs of our community. Many feel a lack of belonging because we don’t see ourselves reflected, but culture provides a foundation for daily practices from our kupuna.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
2025 Hāloa Summer Youth Program
July 24-27 - Nā Kamaliʻi (Ages 10-13)
July 29 - Aug 1 - Nā Pokiʻi (Ages 5-10)
Aug 6-8 - Nā ʻŌpio (Ages 15-18)
Hāloa is a four-week experiential summer program in the Portland Metro area, designed to foster identity and cultural connection for youth ages 5-18. Rooted in Native Hawaiian history, values, and traditions, the program provides authentic instruction while building relationships with indigenous communities of the Pacific Northwest. Week 1 will be in partnerships with Hālau Kūkalaulama (Kamehameha Schoolʻs Hoʻomākaʻikaʻi) in Vancouver, Washington. Week 2 & 3 will take place at the AloHā Resource & Community Center.
Keiki Storytime
April 25th, 10:30a-11:30a
AloHā Resource & Community Center
9725 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Suite 115
Story Telling at the ARCC will be lead by ARCC Support Staff Jolie Jessie. Jolie has over 10 years experience working with Pre-Schoolers ( Age 2-5 yrs) and Middle School students (Age 10-14 yrs) and has raised two keiki of her own. We will read 3-5 books that are age appropriate and then do activities related to the books. Parent/Guardians are welcome to stay and join in the fun or drop their Keiki off and pick them up at the end of Story Telling. Keiki will be required to be potty trained, if parent/guardian is not staying for Story Telling.
AloHā Resource & Community Center
May 8th, 6:30-7:30p
Ukulele Class
9725 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Suite 115
Hele mai to discover the joy of mele and the timeless beauty of the ‘ukulele with Uncle Francis at our upcoming workshop at the ARCC! This hands-on session will explore the rich traditions and soulful melodies of Hawai‘i, perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. Bring your own ‘ukulele or borrow one of ours as we strum, sing, and connect through mele.
April Māla Work Days
4/23 & 4/27
9:30a-12p
Oregon Food Bank Unity Farm
7900 NE 33rd Dr, Portland
It's time! The kalo emerged in March! The keiki kalo are growing and so are the weeds! Our mala work days are now open! This month, we have Saturday April 5th, Saturday April 19th, and Wednesday April 23rd and Sunday April 27th available for volunteers to mālama the māla! We provide the tools, beverages, and light snacks! Our Sunday workday includes lunch! Once you sign up, you will receive an email reminder!
April Community Māla Day
April 27th, 9-11a
Oregon Food Bank Unity Farm
7900 NE 33rd Dr, Portland
This will be the first Sunday mala workday of 2025! The kalo is growing, the garlic is developing, and the mala kalo loves company! Join us at our mala on Unity Farm for a day of weeding, watering, and caring for the mala! This will give you the chance to tend to the garden before our big Spring harvest! Your kākoʻo and kōkua helps us continue to feed our community!
AloHā Resource & Community Center
May 15th, 6:30-7:30p
Recipe Day: Mac Salad & Kalua Pig
9725 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Suite 115
Mac salad is a modern favorite of Hawaiians both on and off the continent. Uncle Noel from Trysome Hawaii will lead us all in a simple mac salad tutorial. Mac salad is straight-forward and pairs well with so many proteins! Luckily for us, Lei will be preparing Kalua pig to pair with the mac salad. We will learn the moʻolelo of both mac salad and Kalua pig while we enjoy the mea'ai at this community event.
May 10th, 9:30a-12p
Membership Collaboration Day
Oregon Food Bank Unity Farm
7900 NE 33rd Dr, Portland
Hey KALO member! Remember those spring greens you planted in the flower bed last month? Well…they are ready to harvest. The hard work has paid off! On May 10th, the seeds we lovingly planted in February will have grown into delicious crispy leafy greens! We will spend this work day harvesting and washing what we harvested. We will also spend time watering and weeding the mala! All participants will get to take home lettuce and/or greens!
Q2 General Membership Meeting
May 18th, 10a-12p
AloHā Resource & Community Center
9725 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Ste 115
We’re excited to host our upcoming General Membership Meeting, and we’d love to see you there! This is opportunity to come together as a community, hear important updates, review our accomplishments, and learn more about the impact we've made over the past year. We’ll be sharing reports and program highlights, discussing future plans, and celebrating the collective efforts that have helped us grow and better serve our community. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, so come hungry and ready to connect. Our Keiki Korner will also be open for the little ones to enjoy while you take part in the meeting.
We are now accepting donations!
Our Health Program is collecting essential emergency preparedness supplies to help those affected by natural disasters, fires, and other emergencies. We are reaching out to ask for your kōkua in donating much-needed items.
Requested Donation Items:
Basic Essentials: Bottled water, non-perishable food (canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit, nuts), manual can openers, disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
Safety & Survival Gear: First aid kits, emergency blankets, multi-tools, whistles, dust masks (N95), duct tape, and plastic sheeting.
Light & Power: Flashlights, extra batteries, headlamps, glow sticks, and portable phone chargers.
Sleeping Bags & Blankets: Sleeping bags, warm blankets, and pillows.
Socks & Warmers: Thermal socks, regular socks (all sizes), hand warmers, and feet warmers.
Bins: Any bins with secure lids, either gently used or, preferably, new!
If you are able to donate, please drop off items at the AloHā Resource Community Center, 9725 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Suite 115 - during our designated collection hours on April 15, 18, 22, and 25 from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. If you need assistance arranging a drop-off, please reach out to kahoku@kalohcc.org.
Community Partners & Sponsors
Until May 15, 25% of each Regal Movie Ticket Bundle you purchase will be donated back to KALO for our 2025 AOHCC Convention Delegates!
