The ocean is central to Native Hawaiian culture. It gives us life, allows for exploration and cultural expansion in the Pacific, and connects us to our ancestors. By embracing the rich history and accomplishments of our ancestors, we gain a better understanding of our identity and our connection to the ‘āina.

“Manaʻo nui” means “great thought” or “wisdom.” Today, our purpose is to harness the immense wisdom and knowledge of the past, engage the Native Hawaiian community of today, and set our sights toward a brighter future.

We are committed to reinvigorating the innate strengths of our community of today by recognizing our true value to the world at large. Many of our native community today—both young and seasoned in their careers—need the confidence, courage, and a stronger awareness of their own potential. Through our grants and scholarships program, the independent strength is placed back into the hands of our own people. Those who study, train and rise up the ranks can, in turn, teach and inspire the next generations.

In a world of chaos, with Manaʻo Nui, the Native Hawaiian community can rise as true leaders of the ocean and beyond. Opening the doors for education and training is just the beginning. The possibilities are as limitless as the waters we navigate.