It's the end of 2024!
What a year it's been. Full of so many adventures and memories!
Join us for some time of reflecting on all 2024 has had to offer Makanalani!
The Year in a Nutshell
2024 has been a year of refinement! In between the busy days of kids running around, we have had lots of time to catch up on some much-needed maintenance. Getting our whole electric system fixed up with no more broken lights, replacements for our solar panels, plumbing enhancements, and much more. There have also been additions to our activity roster such as our newly finished pickleball court!
Here are some statistics from our year:
60+ Groups have stayed at the Kids House across 40+ organizations/churches.
Hundreds of local Kids have visited us and had lives affected through their visits!
$0 Charged to any group that has stayed with us!
It’s been a fantastic year! Keep reading below to hear some more specifics from different areas of Makanalani!
The Kids House
The Kids House has been busy! With groups filling out our schedule constantly, it has been such a strong year for us to continue spreading our wings and connect with new and old groups alike! No two groups are exactly the same, which makes it fun to see how each group tackles the chance to explore the farm and make unforgettable memories!
The Farm
The Farm has been as good as ever! The produce has been smooth from the citrus orchard, and the mini donkeys and sheep have been getting lots of care and affection from both our staff and visitors! It’s always a joy to see the kids take advantage of being out in nature and exploring. Even the slower days are just as nice to walk out in the fields and enjoy the gentle breeze!
JoJo's Shave Ice and Chicken in a Barrel BBQ
There’s never been a better time to get some delicious BBQ or some sweet shave ice! Come get a delicious meal in great company at Chicken in a Barrel Waimea or Coconut Marketplace or get a sweet treat that will brighten any day from JoJo’s Waimea, Coconut Marketplace, or Hanalei!
JoJo’s and Chicken in a Barrel have had a great year with lots of customers all year round and all proceeds have directly invested into supporting Makanalani and providing camps free of charge to local kids. A good deal for all!
The Hawaii Leadership Residency
Progressing the Makanalani Internship into the Hawaii Leadership Residency, we have been stoked to offer more opportunities to these young adults who come to experience Kauai and work on the farm! We have had three strong sessions this year with a total of 40 Young Adults who have joined the program and served hard to keep Makanalani running! Focusing on the core aspects of growth, service, mentorship, and community! God is moving in the lives of the next generation of leaders!
We are incredibly thankful for these young adults, and we’re excited for the new year to come for Hawaii Leadership Residency and the growth that will happen for this program!
Fall 2024 Session
Summer 2024 Session
Spring 2024 Session
Group Highlights
It’s been a fantastic year for camps at the Kids House! Here are some examples of some specific groups that visit and how they impact the community.
Camp Kukui:
Camp Kukui has been sharing the good news of the Bible with the youth of Kauai and providing them an overnight camp experience since 1985. The camp provides youth with the opportunity to build friendships and expand their relationship with God. We have had the opportunity to host this group for several years now, and we are honored to play a part in what they do!
Kauai Baptist Church:
Kauai Baptist Church Youth Camp is one of the biggest groups of our summer! Bringing in students from all over Kauai to come together for a week of camp where they can spend time in a safe community, play games, learn about God, and make unforgettable memories!
Nahele Wawae:
Nahele Wawae is a forest school initiative for keiki of Kauai. Every few months we connect with them to host a day for their little ones to come and explore the farm! Whether that be a day to visit our mini donkeys and sheep, spend time at the Kids House and use the slip and slide, or hosting a family retreat weekend to further build community!
We couldn't do this without you!
A HUGE thank you to our supporters!
We wouldn’t be here without your support. Whether it be monetary support, service, or prayers we are incredibly thankful for you! Your support directly ensures that Kauai’s youth have the provisions they need to stay with us. Allowing opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and community. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of our island’s generation!
If you or anyone you know would be interested in giving, click the button below to learn more about how to get involved!
