Healing the Healers 2026: Facilitated by Wisdom Circles Oceania
A restorative, culturally grounded program designed to strengthen and sustain Maui’s service providers who work tirelessly with our at‑risk children and families
Hoʻoikaika Partnership has relaunched Healing the Healers, a culturally grounded program supporting Maui’s frontline providers serving at-risk children and families.
In partnership with Wisdom Circles Oceania and funded by the County of Maui, the program is now underway at KAʻEHU, offering a restorative space to reconnect with ʻāina, support well-being, and build peer connections through reflection and cultural practices.
Frontline workers carry the weight of our community’s most vulnerable. Healing the Healers ensures they, too, have space to be supported and renewed.
Offered at no cost, priority is given to those working with families impacted by trauma across Maui County.
SAVE THE DATES
APRIL 24 | MAY 22 | JUNE 26
Sessions are monthly on 4th Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at KAʻEHU, located at 600 Kūkona Pl. You can come for the whole time or within the timeframe that works best for you.
Feel free to print this flyer and post it in your office! We encourage providers to allow their staff to participate, especially those on the front lines who could use this space and support.
What to expect and how to participate in these sessions
Slow down, choose what feels right for you, and connect through:
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Moʻolelo and reflection
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Art, music, and hands-on activities
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Mālama ʻāina (dress to get dirty if this is your choice)
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Acupuncture
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Shared meals and conversation with ʻono lunch by Chef Lisa with Chef Hui served around 11:30 a.m.
Past sessions have included kilo, t-shirt printing, banner making, mālama ʻāina, lei making, Mele/song writing, lomi, acupuncture, lupe (kitemaking) and lauhala weaving. If you’d like to mālama ʻāina, dress to get dirty! Invite others to sign up! This is a flexible and open space.
* Keiki are welcome to join and activities will be provided.
Why agency leaders should encourage participation
Participation matters because it directly supports the well-being and sustainability of the very people our community relies on most. Maui’s frontline service providers carry immense emotional and professional burdens, especially in the aftermath of the 2023 wildfires. Creating space for them to pause, reflect, and restore is an ethical responsibility and a critical investment in both people and programs.
Allowing staff to attend on paid time helps prevent burnout, strengthen resilience and reconnect them to their purpose alongside peers who understand their work. This leads to stronger morale, reduced turnover and more compassionate care for the keiki and ʻohana they serve.
When leaders actively support and participate themselves, it sends a powerful message that wellness is a priority at every level, ensuring a healthier, more resilient workforce and community.
Past Healing the Healers Events (2023-2025)
Healing the Healers on July 10th, 2025
Join Hoʻoikaika Partnership’s Healing the Healers session this July — a calming space for providers to reflect, recharge, and reconnect.
Healing the Healers on June 26th, 2025
Join Hoʻoikaika Partnership’s Healing the Healers session on June 26, 2025 — a relaxing session for providers to reflect and recharge.
Healing the Healers on December 18
Join us for the final Healing the Healers session in December 2024, as the Hoʻoikaika Partnership honors those who serve our community.
Healing the Healers on November 20
In November 2024, the Hoʻoikaika Partnership presents Healing the Healers, recognizing those who serve our community.
Healing the Healers on October 23
Join the Hooikaika Partnership in October 2024 for Healing the Healers, honoring and supporting community and family service providers.
Healing the Healers on September 25
In September 2024, join us for Healing the Healers, a session to honor and support our community and family service providers.
Healing the Healers on August 28
Join us in August 2024 for the Healing the Healers Session, where we will acknowledge and honor our community and family service providers.
Healing the Healers on July 31
In July 2024, the Healing the Healers Session will take place to honor and acknowledge our community and family service providers.
Healing the Healers on June 26th
Join our June 2024 Healing the Healers Session, where we appreciate providers serving our community and families
Healing the Healers on May 29th
Join us for our May 2024 Healing the Healers Session. We aim to appreciate all providers offering direct services to community & families.
Healing the Healers on April 24th
Join our April 2024 Healing the Healers Session. We want to give back & honor providers doing direct services with our community & families.
Healing the Healers on March 28th
Join Hoʻoikaika Cares in March – Healing the Healers, a supportive Hui for Maui providers working with children & families.
Healing the Healers on February 28th
Ho’oikaika Cares-Healing the Healers February sessions. Activities include time to connect; creative, calming self-care; and lunch.
Healing the Healers on January
Join us in January 2024 for the Healing the Healers Session, honoring our community and family service providers.
Mahalo for your support
(2023-2025)
Thanks to the generous support of the Maui Strong Fund, administered by the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Hoʻoikaika Partnership was able to host Healing the Healers for the last two years.
The sessions were co-facilitated by Michele Navarro Ishiki of MNI Counseling and Heidi Allencastre of Piha Wellness and Healing, enabling providers to lean into each other for peer support as part of post-wildfire recovery. This was a safe, supportive space for providers to decompress and focus on their mental health and wellness.
While endings bring lots of mixed emotions, they also mark the beginning of something new.
Mahalo nui loa to:
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Michele Navarro Ishiki and Heidi Allencastre for holding this space with such care and devotion.
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All the providers who have participated, bringing your vulnerability, creativity and full selves to the process.
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Partner and allied agencies across Maui County who recognized the value of self-care and encouraged staff to participate.
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Maui Strong/Hawaiʻi Community Foundation for financial support from 2024-2025 and seed funding in 2023 from Friends of the Children’s Center of Maui and Nā Keiki O Emalia.
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Hoʻoikaika Partnership’s Leadership Hui and evaluator Kelly Frindell for guidance and data-driven decision making.
The Funders of Healing the Healers
Funding for the 2025 Healing the Healers was provided by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation‘s Maui Strong Fund. Our work at Hoʻoikaika Partnership is made possible through the generous funding from our donors. Maui Family Support Services is the fiscal agent for Hoʻoikaika Partnership.
