About Us

The Pālama Foundation embodies a commitment to supporting Native Hawaiians living away from their ancestral homeland, fostering a deep connection to our heritage, language, and culture. Inspired by a place known as Pālama, a name given by Pālama Foundation’s President and Founder’s mother, Kumu Hula Sissy Kaio, our foundation strives to emulate this sense of enlightenment and belonging.

Our work is rooted in the vision of our founder, who, like many Native Hawaiians, sought to maintain a strong tie to their cultural identity while living outside Hawaiʻi. We understand the challenges faced by these communities and aim to provide meaningful resources and opportunities for cultural enrichment and connection.

Through various initiatives and programs, the Pālama Foundation actively promotes social change by empowering Native Hawaiians to rediscover and strengthen their roots. We facilitate educational workshops, cultural exchanges, and community-building activities that encourage individuals to embrace their culture with authenticity.

By nurturing this sense of belonging and fostering cultural resilience, the Pālama Foundation plays a vital role in advancing social change, ensuring that Native Hawaiians everywhere can reclaim and celebrate their identity, regardless of their geographic location. Together, we are building bridges that span the vast ocean, reconnecting kānaka to their home, Hawaiʻi.