By Bryan Esmeralda
Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) is best-known for offering culturally grounded social work services. In recent years, however, LT has expanded its services to invite more kamalei (the Queen’s beneficiaries) for unique experiences designed just for them.
LT Ranch in Kamuela, Hawaiʻi Island, offers nature-based programs in a residential camp, and after school and alternative learning programs, services, and support formats that promote meaningful connections through ʻāina, animals, and art. These experiences are designed to support social-emotional growth, healing, and cultural identity within LT’s 10-acre experiential ranch setting. All activities reinforce the five Ranch Pillars: hoʻomalu (regulation), makaʻala (awareness), hōʻihi (boundaries), pilina (relationships), and hilinaʻi (confidence).
The Early Childhood initiative at LT supports children ages 0-5 and their ʻohana (mākua ages 18-26) statewide through culturally grounded programs that strengthen relationships, promote healthy development, and foster stability. Key programs and services include counseling, parenting support and skill-building resources, residential housing, and case management.
Older youth (ages 15-19) can benefit from Puʻu Lei O Liliʻu in Kapolei, Oʻahu, which offers group programs rooted in cultural traditions and trauma-informed healing practices. Together, youth develop workforce skills, build leadership skills, and learn through service. The staff who lead this effort approach their work through a framework built upon four interconnected kahawai (rivers), which serve as the kahua (foundation) for this program.
Anxiety and depression are serious challenges for many of our youth today, but too often youth fall through gaps in receiving services due to limited access from private practitioners, long waitlists at community providers, or groups not accepting new clients. LT’s statewide virtual counseling program Wai Aka supports kamalei experiencing mental health issues through short-term, mental health counseling offered through the Zoom Healthcare platform, making it easy to access.
Bryan Esmeralda is the director of external relations at Liliʻuokalani Trust.
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