About Us
Mālama Kūpuna. Empowering ʻOhana.
The Kupuna Collective is a Hawaii-based nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the way our elders age in the rural community of Kamuela. We believe that aging should not be a journey of isolation, but one of dignity, purpose, and profound support.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple yet vital: Mālama Kūpuna. Empowering ʻOhana. We seek to empower Hawaii’s elders and their families by providing a comprehensive resource hub for holistic aging. The Collective serves as the bridge between medical necessity and community-based compassion, ensuring every Kupuna can age with dignity while providing ’ohana with the navigation tools and respite care necessary to sustain the journey together.
Why We Exist
In our rural Kohala and Hamakua communities, the "gap" in healthcare is a daily reality. While medical professionals provide clinical care, families are often left alone to navigate the complex logistics of aging at home.
Whether it is transitioning from a hospital stay, managing the cognitive changes of a loved one, or simply finding local resources in Waimea, the Collective is here to ensure no family has to "figure it out" in a vacuum. We are the central station for elder-care literacy and advocacy.
Our Commitment
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, we operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every partnership goes directly toward building a stronger safety net for the elders of Hawaii Island.
Join us as we bridge the gap between medicine and the home. Together, we can honor our Kupuna and strengthen our ’ohana.
Our Core Programs
Rooted in our bylaws and guided by our community’s needs,
we focus on four primary pillars:
- Navigation & Advocacy: Specialized, one-on-one guidance for healthcare transitions and the logistics of aging-in-place.
- Holistic Resource Hub: A physical and digital center for community education, ensuring families have the information they need when they need it.
- Respite & Social Wellness: Therapeutic engagement sessions designed to promote cognitive health for Kupuna and provide much-needed rest for their caregivers.
- Caregiver Empowerment: Training, support groups, and resilience tools for the family members who form the backbone of our community’s care system.
Our Leadership
The Kupuna Collective is governed by a Board of Directors committed to transparency, cultural stewardship, and clinical excellence. Based in Kamuela, County of Hawaii, our leadership represents a blend of healthcare expertise and deep local roots.
Founding Directors:
- Waynette & James Belaski
- Waeleen Onaka
- Luana Keakealani
- Jacy Young
- Darlette "PeeWee" Miguel
- Shawn & Alvin Villanueva
- Karyn Clay, CPG
