How To Apply

Overview

Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows is a 10-month leadership program designed to cultivate and connect emerging leaders committed to the future of Maui Nui. Through monthly Hālāwai, Fellows gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping our islands while building lifelong relationships and leadership capacity.

Learn more about our mission, vision, and core values.

Program Commitment

This program requires a serious and consistent commitment.

• Duration: August 2026 – May 2027
• Time Requirement: 2–3 full days per month (typically weekdays)
• Participation: Active engagement in all program activities is expected

**If you are unable to fully commit to this type of schedule, please do not apply at this time.

Commitment Form Requirement

All applicants are required to submit a signed Commitment Form.

• Employed Applicants: Must also obtain a signature from their employer/supervisor
• Sponsored Applicants: Must also obtain a signature from their sponsor (if receiving financial support)
• Self-Employed Applicants: Must still complete and sign the form

**Applications missing required signatures will not be reviewed.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: June 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM HST
• Interview Timeframe: June-July 2026
• Selection Notification: Mid to Late July 2026
• Program Start: August 27, 2026.

• Anticipated Hālāwai Dates:

1. August 27-28
   2. September 17-18
   3. October 22-23
   4. November 19-20
   5. December 17-18
   6. January 27, 28, 29 (3 days)
   7. February 18-19
   8. March 10, 11, 12 (3 days)
   9. April 15-16
   10. May 13-14
   11. June 3 – Graduation

**Hālāwai dates are tentative and may be subject to minor adjustments prior to the start of the program in August.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Reside in Maui County
• Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community
• Be able to fully participate in all program requirements

Ka Ipu Kukui prefers applicants who:

• Are in the target range of 25–45 years of age.
• Are committed to continuing leadership in Maui Nui
• Are comfortable participating in in-person, interactive sessions 

What We Look For

• Leadership Experience and Potential: Applicants should show a pattern of an emerging leader through their work history, participate in community activities, and a goal of increasing community involvement and/or leadership development. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to understand and apply value-based leadership and selfless service. They must also be able to critically examine issues and deliver thoughtful solutions.
• Evidence of Personal Character and Integrity: Applicants should demonstrate characteristics of high personal character, showing strength of character through resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. Applicants should demonstrate civility through thoughtful thinking and respectful behaviors in light of disagreeing opinions.

• Community Service: Applicants should have a history of active commitment to responsible stewardship or leadership and a desire to help address community issues through participation and service. Applicants should have an awareness of themselves as a member in the broader Maui Nui community.

• Commitment to Personal Growth: Applicants must have a commitment to actively participate in the Halawai and developing their leadership skills by being open to new experiences, gaining new skills, and making a commitment to ongoing personal development.