KEY Projectʻs Kalo Fest — March 22, 2025

KEY Project’s Kalo Fest made a vibrant return on Saturday, March 22, 2025, bringing the community together for a day filled with culture, learning, and connection.

Guests gathered at KEY Project to enjoy an exciting lineup of local vendors, food trucks, huli giveaways, and more — all centered around a free community kuʻi. With 12 double boards and an abundance of kalo, the kuʻi truly became the heart of the celebration.

Family-friendly activities included lei making, kāpala (stamping art), and makahiki games, offering hands-on fun and cultural experiences for all ages. The day also featured live hula and music performances, keeping the energy high and spirits lifted throughout the event.

After a successful turnout in 2024, this year’s Kalo Fest was even bigger and better. Mahalo to everyone who came out to celebrate, share, and uplift our lāhui!

Kalo Boy’s Adventure to Make Pono:
A Special ʻOhana Storytime at Kalo Fest

Pouhana ʻO Nā Wāhine, the first federally funded non-profit Native Hawaiian Resource Center on Domestic Violence, teamed up with Hoʻoikaika Partnership to share Kalo Boy’s Adventure to Make Pono: He Huakaʻi ʻOhana at the 2025 Kalo Fest on Oʻahu. Over 350 individuals participated (many from Koʻolaupoko), 100 books were printed, and about 70 books were distributed to multiple keiki and their ʻohana. Dolly Tatofi, Brandy, and Kree conducted four Storytelling sessions with about 12-20 participants in each session.

The resounding feedback was that they loved the prompts for ʻohana conversation, the illustrations were relatable and exciting, and they appreciated that this book was grounded in Hawaiʻi. Many participants asked how they can receive more or where they can find it.
Pouhana has kept a few in their library to be prepared for future story times to come! Mahalo to Kekoa Rosa for taking the time to share the outcomes of this special event!