Building Pilina. Sharing Moʻolelo. Enhancing Self-care.

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Maui Beach Hotel

Community strength and resilience are rooted in connection. Yet in today’s fast-paced, increasingly online world, it can sometimes feel like we are living in a sea of disconnection. The 2026 Hoʻoikaika Annual Conference, “E Ulu Ē / Growing Stronger Together,” offers an opportunity to come back together and like the ulu tree, to nourish ourselves while growing the deep roots of collaboration that lead to lasting change for future generations.

Inspired by the ulu tree’s symbolism of nourishment, resilience, and intergenerational care, this year’s gathering invites us to intentionally cultivate pilina with one another. Through the practices of deep listening, sharing moʻolelo of hope, and embracing self-care, we create space for both individual and collective growth.

Together, we will:

• Build meaningful connections by learning self-compassion and resilience tips;
• Inspire hope through moʻolelo that uplift, connect, and remind us of our shared humanity;
• Practice sustainable self-care by exploring healthy, practical ways to nourish ourselves so our capacity to support others can continue to grow.

Whether you are deeply rooted in this work or just beginning to plant seeds, this conference offers space to learn, reflect, and grow in community. Because like the ulu tree, our greatest strength comes not from standing alone, but from being deeply connected and nurtured together.

In this engaging keynote session, Tracie Ann Tjapkes explores how self-compassion can strengthen personal wellbeing while deepening our capacity to lead, connect and care for others. Participants will examine the inner narratives that often shape how they respond to challenges and leave with practical strategies for cultivating greater self-kindness, awareness and resilience in everyday life.

Through storytelling and guided reflection, attendees will be invited to pause, reconnect with themselves and discover how practicing compassion from within can create lasting ripple effects in their families, workplaces and communities. The session offers an opportunity to reflect, learn from one another and build habits that support wellbeing long after the conference concludes.

About the speaker

Tracie Ann Tjapkes is a nationally board-certified Health & Wellness Coach, executive coach and Organizational Resiliency Director at the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine. With more than 25 years of experience, she partners with leaders and organizations to build resilience, navigate change and foster lasting wellbeing. Through coaching and practical strategies, she helps people grow from the inside out.

Malia Davidson-Faleafine is a Maui-born community leader, mother of five, and grandmother of four who resides on Waiohuli Hawaiian Homestead. She serves as Executive Assistant to Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, President of Kumukahi Ke Aloha nonprofit, and Chairperson of the Maui County Committee on the Status of Women. A certified Master Teacher and healer with the Tao Academy, Malia brings extensive experience in government, community advocacy, education, and healing, guided by a lifelong commitment to strengthening people and communities.

The timeframes are a guide and may be adjusted as needed

The Hoʻoikaika Annual Conference is offered at no cost to participants thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. Contributions help cover event costs such as the venue, speakers, materials, resource bags, and participant travel (e.g., Molokaʻi, Hāna and Lānaʻi). Your support helps us keep this conference free and accessible to all providers serving Maui County’s keiki and ʻohana!

This annual event is one of the primary ways we build our capacity as health and human service providers. To become a sponsor or join the conference planning committee, please fill out the form at the link below and contact Hoʻoikaika Coordinator Deb Marois.