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
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.
Washington County Public Health
Pacific Islander Listening Session
May 31st, 1:30p-3:30p
AloHā Resource & Community Center
9725 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Ste 115
Climate change affects our health and our future. The Washington County Public Health Department wants to hear directly from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community members about actions we can take to protect ourselves and our communities from climate change. Please join us for a discussion about your experiences with climate change and the resources you need to protect your health.
Keiki Craft Night
May 31st, 5p-9p
AloHā Resource & Community Center
9725 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Ste 115
Wanna do a fun night activity with other keiki! Join us for a cozy evening of creativity as we make no-sew fleece blankets, enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert, and watch Moana 2 together! Open to keiki ages 8 and up. Spots are limited to just 10, so be sure to complete registration to save your keiki’s spot!
It's time to make a beloved snack with a talented baker, Daphne Kauahi'ilani Jenkins! This event is meant for the keiki, but everyone who wants to participate is welcome! Daphne will demo how to make a savory or sweet chex mix blend and participants will follow along.
Recipe Day: Chex Mix
June 28th, 10a-12:30p
Oregon Food Bank Unity Farm
7900 NE 33rd Dr, Portland, OR 97211
KOKO Podcast Ep. 1 is Live!
KALOʻs KOKO Podcast is a new platform created to amplify the voices of Pacific Islanders, Poʻe Hawaiʻi, and Indigenous advocates. Our goal is to foster deeper connections among those navigating life on the continent while uplifting stories that deserve to be heard.
KOKO, meaning "blood" or "lineage," speaks to the pulse of our people. Kahena O Ke Ola - The Flowing Stream of Life - will carry the voices of our ʻohana, weaving together the streams of generational knowledge and experiences in displacement.
This podcast initiative was inspired by the success of the Mōhala Youth Council and their work on Nā Kamaliʻi Talk Story, where ʻōpio led insightful conversations on critical social issues, including mental health resources, access to feminine hygiene products, the Black Lives Matter movement, and more. Recognizing the importance of these dialogues, we felt it was necessary to continue holding space where our underrepresented communities’ voices are heard and validated.
In episode 1, we talk story with Aunty Louise, former Kamehameha Schools educator and member, about her story moving to Oregon and strengthening her identity as a Native Hawaiian and Native American. We also delve into the misuses of land acknowledgements, the challenges Kanaka raised on the continent faces, and what it means to be displaced.
Support our T-Shirt Fundraiser
KALO Hawaiian Civic Club is raising funds to support educational programming and conference participation for our staff and community members. Support our fundraiser by purchasing and repping our new t-shirt! Our Huli Ka Lima I Lalo t-shirts are available in green/white and tan/green — colors inspired by the vibrant shades of our māla kalo!
At KALO, huli ka lima i lalo is our daily practice and a fundamental value as Pacific Islanders. From planting kalo to sharing meals from our māla, we honor our ancestors and nurture food sovereignty through every action. We encourage all communities to turn their hands to the soil and mālama ʻāina — for when we care for the land, the ʻāina in turn cares for and nourishes us.
Sizes offered: Small through 2XL.
Price: $25 each
Payment Options: Cash or Paypal.
Apply to be a KALOHCC Delegate
KALO Hawaiian Civic Club is proud to be part of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs (AOHCC) — a powerful network of 61 clubs dedicated to uplifting our lāhui.
Each year, the AOHCC Convention brings us together to build pilina, strengthen our voice, and shape the advocacy platform that drives our collective work.
The 2025 AOHCC Convention will take place in beautiful Kona at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa from October 26th - November 2nd, 2025.
KALO HCC members interested in attending as delegates can look forward to a meaningful and enriching experience, including huakaʻi, engaging workshops, consultation sessions, networking, ‘aha ‘aina, kanikapila, and—most importantly—time to connect with community and culture.
Apply to be a KALOHCC Delegate!
Learn more about what it means to be a delegate!
Application deadline: June 13
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to represent and grow with your lāhui!
Community Partners & Sponsors
