ʻIliahikū: Guiding Youth from Learning to Livelihood

Launched at the beginning of 2025, Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s ʻIliahikū program set out to strengthen pathways between education, workforce, and community, supporting youth and young adults as they build skills, confidence, and clarity about their futures. Over the course of the year, ʻIliahikū developed into a connected framework that links hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to opportunity across Hawaiʻi Island.

Named after Ka ʻIliahi Kū Hoʻoilina o Keawe—the lasting fragrance of Keawe—ʻIliahikū honors Keaweaheulu, a trusted advisor to Kamehameha whose guidance shaped generations beyond his lifetime. Like ʻiliahi, whose fragrance remains long after it is gone, the program reflects the enduring influence of mentorship, strategy, and shared responsibility in developing emerging leaders.

Through a network of place-based, work-based learning intermediaries, ʻIliahikū bridges education and employment by connecting students with real-world experiences, employability skills, and meaningful relationships within their chosen career pathways. The program prioritizes equitable access for students in rural and under-resourced districts and is carried forward in partnership with ʻEwalu Industries, Mālaʻai, the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, and Nā Leo TV.

ʻIliahikū extends beyond a single initiative to include connected learning experiences such as Adulting 101 and the Hawaiʻi Island Career Expo, creating multiple entry points for youth to explore interests, develop skills, and engage with their communities. Through Adulting 101, 80 workshops were delivered islandwide, reaching 1,172 students with practical, life-ready skills often overlooked in traditional classrooms. Led by Vibrant Hawaiʻi Youth Ambassadors, sessions ranged from professional profile development to essential trainings such as Hands-Only CPR and AED use. As Kumu Maile Mangauil of Kanu o ka ʻĀina NCPCS shared, “In school, it helps them see that learning is not only about books, but also about real-world skills that make a difference. Outside the classroom, we hope they carry this knowledge into their homes and kaiāulu, knowing they have the ability—and the kuleana—to care for others.”

That preparation came into full view at Na Leo O Nā ʻŌpio: Fall 2025 High School Career Opportunities Expo, one of the largest youth career events held on Hawaiʻi Island this year. Hosted at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, the expo welcomed 428 students from 13 schools, connecting them with 79 organizations and 212 presenters across healthcare, public service, trades, arts, business, natural resources, and more. Through hands-on demonstrations and direct conversations, students explored career pathways and began shaping their professional goals.

Together, these efforts reflect ʻIliahikū’s role as a connective framework that supports youth across multiple stages of learning and decision-making. By aligning skill-building, mentorship, and exposure to opportunity, ʻIliahikū strengthens the transition from education to livelihood and contributes to a more prepared, confident, and locally rooted future workforce for Hawaiʻi Island.