The year has drawn to a close!
2025 has been an incredible blessing of a year. A full calendar year of a record-breaking number of groups, and a steady flow of people coming and going from the Kids House.
Please join us as we share a review of highlights from 2025 with Makanalani!
- The Kids House -
This year at the Kids House has been truly special! The Kids House calendar has been full to a record-breaking 75+ groups staying with us! It’s been an incredible time welcoming hundreds of kids in from all across the Hawaiian Islands. From north, east, south, and west Kauai, to Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and beyond. Lives have been changed through these visits where kids have been provided and cared for, fostering strong connections and relationships with our island and each other! God has been moving through our next generation, and each stay has been a testament of that! All of this with $0 charged to groups who have stayed with us thanks to people like you!
Thank you for your support of the Kids House this year!
- The Farm -
The farm has had a steady and straightforward year! The mini donkeys and sheep have been enjoying the sunny days in the open fields, often being visited by our guests bringing with them some tasty treats. Our farm staff and HLR crew have done a wonderful job working hard to make sure the farm stays up to standard for visiting groups to enjoy!
It’s been a slower year in terms of new additions to the farm but make sure to stay tuned for more updates in the future for any upcoming projects!
- JoJo's and Chicken in a Barrel -
Makanalani’s businesses have also had a strong year! Working hard to provide and support the mission of the Kids House. Business has been busy especially during school breaks, providing sweet treats and delicious barbeque for locals and visitors alike! Make sure to swing by JoJo’s to see our updated menu!
Visit us at JoJo’s Shave Ice 11am-8pm in Hanalei or Coconut Marketplace, or 11am-6pm in Waimea!
Visit us at Chicken in a Barrel 11am-7pm in Coconut Marketplace or 11am-9pm in Waimea!
- Three Sessions of HLR! -
Aloha Makanalani & HLR ‘Ohana,
As this year comes to a close, we wanted to share what’s happening at the Hawaii Leadership Residency.
This year we had the gift of discipling and mentoring over 50 residents: walking together through Scripture, character formation, and the daily rhythms that make HLR. We celebrated two baptisms, each one a joyful and profound reminder of God’s grace and power. Our partnership with the Genesis Collective carried us through our first full year of teaching. Some main takeaways that shaped our community include:
Living with Christ, not “for” Christ
Understanding leadership as a Christian’s identity, not a position or role
Integrating work, service, and worship into a holistic life of discipleship
Seeing how the Biblical narrative invites us to participate in God’s mission
These themes continued in conversations, small groups, moments on the farm, and worship nights at the Kid’s House.
At Makanalani
Our service at Makanalani remains among the sweetest and most meaningful parts of the Residency. This year, we helped Makanalani Kids to host dozens of kids camps, curating space for youth across Kaua‘i to experience God’s love and rest.
A highlight for us was joining ABLE Ministries Day this past summer, spending time with Kaua‘i’s special-needs community. We worshipped, danced, and enjoyed the slip-n-slide together. We were reminded that ministry is not just about doing good: it’s about glorifying God, enjoying Him, and celebrating every life made in God’s image.
The farm-work at Makanalani continues to be like a living classroom to us. Tending the land, removing invasive species, and harvesting from the orchards, has taught us stewardship in real time.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To every one of you who has been part of this Residency — thank you. Your session here helped shape the culture and the heart of what we do. Many of the rhythms, prayers, jokes, and work ethic you brought continue to influence residents today.
Looking Ahead & A Request for Prayer
As we move into the new year, we ask for your prayers — for future residents, for unity and health within our team, for wisdom in stewarding our opportunities, and for guidance as we continue forming leaders.
HLR is a newly registered nonprofit, and literally everything we do is made possible through generous supporters who believe in this mission.
We are asking God if it’s His will to be resourced so that we can “enlarge our tents” this next year (Isaiah 54:2): scholarships for those in-need, increased staffing, property repair, and more outreach (locally and to the nations). If you feel led, would you consider partnering with us again through a year-end gift? Your donation is tax-deductible. You can give securely at https://hawaiileadershipresidency.com/giving We’re expectant for what God has in store, and grateful that you remain part of the Makanalani / HLR ‘Ohana.
Mahalo,
HLR
Highlights from this year of HLR
- Group Highlights -
Kauai’s Missionary Churches:
This year we had many chances to connect with Kauai’s Missionary churches to host different ministries throughout the year! Connecting with Kapaa, Lihue, Koloa, and Kalaheo Missionary Churches for youth summer camps and fall retreats, to Kids Camps and days with Lihue and Kalaheo Missionary Churches! Able Ministries, a Kauai-based special needs ministry, is also connected to us through Lihue Missionary Church to host their annual summer camp days! We are incredibly thankful for these churches in how they support and invest into Kauai’s community and share God’s Word to them!
Calvary Chapel Lihue:
Calvary Chapel Lihue is one of our most consistent summer groups! This year was no exception as they hosted their annual youth summer camp at the Kids House. Under new leadership, they took full advantage of Makanalani and played a huge battle royale game around the farm! With some fierce competition, it also opened the door for students to come together and bond while taking time away from the craziness of life and learn about God!
Sacred Childhood:
This summer we hosted a small homeschool group called Sacred Childhood for a summer camp! This group invests into early education and intentionally encourages keiki to learn in nature. Summer days with this group were spent out in nature through scavenger hunts, animal visits, slip and slide, and more fun for these littles!
- A Very Special Thanks -
