The Pilgrims of Hope and the Tree of Hope

Thursday, July 31st, 2025

The Pilgrims of Hope and the Tree of Hope

Community contributed

By Paula Scott

Pope Francis has designated 2025 as a Jubilee Year of Hope for the Catholic Church, with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” This special year, officially inaugurated on Christmas Eve, 2024 will conclude Jan. 6, 2026.

The Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 is a time for Catholics to reflect on the meaning of hope, both for their own lives and for the world around them, and to strive to be instruments of hope in their communities. 

The “Tree of Hope Tour” is a national pilgrimage bringing the relics of St. Damien and St. Marianne, both of whom served heroically on Molokai to parishes across the country.…

End of Summer Fair at the Library

Thursday, July 31st, 2025

FMPL News Release
The Friends of the Molokai Public Library are excited to share that we are hosting a special fundraiser event on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Molokai Public Library.
Come ready to enjoy a fantastic lineup of games, prizes, and ono treats. Scrips will be available for purchase at just $1 each, and all proceeds will go directly to support our beloved local library and help us bring even more exciting events to our community in the future.
As a special highlight, the Molokai Public Library will announce the branch drawing prize winners for the Summer Reading Challenge during the event.…

Clay Dragon Workshop with Annie Moriyasu

Thursday, July 31st, 2025

Clay Dragon Workshop with Annie Moriyasu

MAC News Release
Hawaii-born Annie Moriyasu, affectionately known as “The Dragon Lady” at Hawaii Potters Guild, will lead a three-day workshop at the Molokai Arts Center using hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, slabbing and using ribs, scrapers, and carving tools to smooth surfaces, add texture and create decorative patterns.
Annie received her master’s degree in cinema from San Francisco State University and also studied painting and drawing at California College of the Arts. She is currently an education specialist at the Center on Disability Studies at UH-Manoa and founder of Make Art, Change Lives, an inclusive artmaking project for people with disabilities.…

Eat, Dance, Love at the Aloha Ahiahi Makeke

Thursday, July 31st, 2025

Eat, Dance, Love at the Aloha Ahiahi Makeke

By Léo Azambuja
As the sun was getting ready to set for the day, a talented set of musicians, artists and chefs welcomed locals and visitors to what felt like a party at an old friend’s backyard in the heart of Kaunakakai.
“It’s an evening market where vendors can come and have their products, and we have lots of good music,” Ella Canencia said of the inaugural Aloha Ahiahi Makeke, or Aloha Night Market, held last Friday evening on the lawn behind Hoʻala Cafe & Sip Shop at Ala Malama Avenue.
Canencia, who owns the cafe, said the Aloha Ahiahi Makeke is a combined effort between Hoʻala Cafe and The Store House deli.…

Cara Lee Wade’s Photography Journey

Thursday, July 31st, 2025

Cara Lee Wade’s Photography Journey

By Léo Azambuja
At 19 years old, Cara Lee Wade’s life plan was to dance professionally, but a car accident robbed her of her dream. She then went on to devour an impressive variety of college classes, trying to figure out what was it that she wanted to do. Until she found photography.
“During my senior year of undergrad, I took a photography class, and the first time I put a piece of paper in the chemicals and an image showed up, my life has changed,” she said.
Wade recently finished a two-week art residency on the island, through a Molokai Arts Center program.…

La Hoʻihoʻi Ea 2025

Thursday, July 31st, 2025

La Hoʻihoʻi Ea 2025

By Léo Azambuja
More than 180 years ago, a rogue British captain burned Hawaiian flags and put the kindgom under siege for five-and-a-half months — without Britain’s approval. After hearing from Hawaii’s king, England sent officials to the islands, and Hawaiian sovereignty was restored.
La Hoʻihoʻi Ea, or the Sovereignity Restoration Day, was observed on Molokai with a day-long event featuring cultural workshops, live music and local foods at the Molokai Community Health Center last Saturday.
“This history was erased for a long time,” said Lauren Kikukawa, a member of the Hawaiian networking group Kanaeokana. “We need to start with educating the community of the history and what happened, and hope that we are moving towards the state of ea (sovereignty).”…

Marvelee Melba Nahalaomapuana Heu Puaa

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Marvelee Melba Nahalaomapuana Heu Puaa

Marvelee Melba Nahalaomapuana Heu Puaa

With deep love and fond memories, we announce the passing of our beloved Marvelee H. Puaa, who was born on February 19, 1934, and peacefully entered into eternal rest on June 20, 2025, at her home on Molokai, surrounded by her lovely ‘ohana. Marvelee lived a long and full life, filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments with family and friends. She is now reunited with her late husband, Nelson Puaa. Marvelee is survived by her three daughters, Willa Loa, Rina Bobiles, and Nelma Place. Her legacy continues through her 10 grandchildren, each a beautiful reminder of her love and strength.…

Lepo and Roots STEAM Workshop Fosters Learning, Creativity

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Lepo and Roots STEAM Workshop Fosters Learning, Creativity

UH CTAHR Farm to School News Release

On June 3, five dedicated educators from Molokai gathered at the Molokai Cooperative Extension Office (CTAHR) to take part in the Lepo and Roots STEAM Workshop — a hands-on, garden-based professional development experience that blended science, art, and culture in creative and meaningful ways.

The workshop introduced teachers to the vibrant possibilities of integrating gardening with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education. Participants explored natural dye-making techniques using locally sourced plants, including ʻolena (turmeric), beets, and ukiuki berries. They also learned how to make “lepo” paint, connecting them to the cultural and environmental significance of lepo (soil).…

Community Health Center Expands Dental Services

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

MCHC News Release

Molokai Community Health Center is excited to announce a significant expansion of its dental services, aimed at addressing the growing oral health needs of our community. This initiative underscores our commitment to delivering accessible dental care for all Molokai families.

The expansion includes the addition of three new operatories, doubling patient access to dental services, state-of-the-art dental equipment, and an extended range of services to include advanced restorative care and pediatric dentistry. These upgrades will enable our team to serve more patients and reduce patient waiting times.

To support this growth, six dental professionals were added to the dental team. Several…

Mele Kanealii Named to Hamilton College Dean’s List

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Hamilton College News Release

Mele Kanealii, of Kaunakakai, has been named to the Dean’s List at Hamilton College for the spring 2025 semester.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must be a current member of the Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027, have carried a course load of four or more graded credits throughout the semester, and earned an average GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale.

Kanealii, a rising junior majoring in public policy, is a graduate of Molokai High School.

Hamilton College, a leading liberal arts institution located in Clinton, New York, is where exceptional students explore passions through an open curriculum and robust research, internship, and off-campus study opportunities. …