KōCreate: Charting the Course of Collective Leadership

The second KōCreate gathering marked a shift—from connection to coordination, from reflection to movement. Over two days, KōCreators from across Hawaiʻi Island came together to translate vision into action, guided by the belief that lasting change begins with community-led design.

“Being part of KōCreate matters deeply to me because it represents hope — a space where visionary leaders from across Hawaiʻi can come together to reimagine what thriving looks like for our island,” shared Mina Viritua Jr, KōCreator.

On Friday, October 17, Kamuela Enos invited KōCreators to explore Indigenous Innovation, reminding the group that innovation is not something new—it is something remembered. Our kūpuna were natural innovators, shaping systems through relationship, responsibility, and place. Misty followed by leading a session on Community Program Planning and Evaluation, helping KōCreators think critically about how to build programs that reflect the values, strengths, and voices of their communities.

The following day at The Westin Hapuna Prince Hotel, the group immersed themselves in the Action Framework, a tool to move ideas from possibility to practice. Through collaboration and honest dialogue, KōCreators began mapping the steps needed to bring their visions to life, discovering how their individual efforts are interconnected threads in a larger movement.

A highlight of the day was the 3D Mapping activity, where KōCreators built visual representations of their communities. What emerged were not just models, but living stories—depictions of relationships, challenges, and hopes woven together by shared purpose.

“Being accepted into this program got me thinking of how I can be a better me, and what kind of legacy I’m leaving behind. Over the next six months and beyond, the only thing I can assure is that my community will have a better Māhealani in it,” shared T. Māhealani Maikui, KōCreator.

Her reflection captured the spirit of the weekend—leadership not as position or title, but as a personal commitment to growth, purpose, and community.

To close the weekend, KōCreators met with alakaʻi from Nā Kālai Waʻa, who shared lessons on way-finding leadership. They reminded the group that leadership is like voyaging—it depends on trust, alignment, and the willingness to navigate together toward a common horizon.

As the gathering came to an end, the feeling was one of grounded optimism. KōCreators left with clarity, tools, and renewed commitment to lead in ways that are rooted, relational, and responsive to the needs of their communities.

Follow the journey of KōCreate and witness how local leaders are shaping a more connected, resilient Hawaiʻi Island at vibranthawaii.org/kocreate.