Going beyond disaster recovery—it equips youth to take control of their own healing journey and empowers them to become leaders in their communities. Through skill-building, cultural connection, and the transformative power of service, participants are not only prepared for future crises but are also instilled with the strength, confidence, and sense of responsibility needed to build a more resilient Maui for years to come.

The Maui Hero Project (MHP) is a trauma-informed, youth-centered initiative designed to empower adolescents ages 11–17 in the aftermath of the 2023 Maui wildfires. Grounded in cultural values and innovative disaster recovery strategies, MHP equips disaster-impacted youth with vital skills in emergency preparedness, first response, and emotional resilience. The program blends FEMA’s Teen CERT curriculum with wilderness-based adventure therapy to help youth not only recover and rebuild but rise as leaders in their communities.

Through an intensive 8-week, 100-hour experiential cycle, participants engage in hands-on survival training, mental health counseling, cultural mentorship, and peer-led community service. This immersive process enables them to transform their trauma into strength, gaining the confidence and skills to serve others and rebuild their communities. The MHP curriculum emphasizes:

• Emergency Preparedness: Youth are trained in emergency response, first aid, and disaster readiness, becoming equipped to act quickly and effectively in future emergencies.
• Emotional Resilience: The program focuses on building mental and emotional resilience, providing youth with tools for self-care and stress management in the face of trauma.
• Cultural Mentorship: Drawing on traditional Hawaiian values and practices, MHP offers cultural mentorship that fosters a deep sense of belonging, pride, and connection to the community.
• Peer Leadership: Graduates of the program take on leadership roles, teaching their peers and leading youth-driven disaster drills and public education initiatives to build neighborhood readiness.

MHP stands out by delivering its services directly in schools, working in close collaboration with educators, case managers, and families, and focusing on the most vulnerable populations—those facing displacement, bereavement, or ongoing mental health challenges. This comprehensive approach ensures that youth not only receive critical life skills but also become catalysts for change in their communities, driving collective resilience through youth-led action.

With over 100 youth served in the last year, the Maui Hero Project is a proven, deeply embedded model for community resilience and youth empowerment in disaster recovery, offering hope and practical solutions in the wake of tragedy.

Ultimately, the Maui Hero Project goes beyond disaster recovery—it equips youth to take control of their own healing journey and empowers them to become leaders in their communities. Through skill-building, cultural connection, and the transformative power of service, participants are not only prepared for future crises but are also instilled with the strength, confidence, and sense of responsibility needed to build a more resilient Maui for years to come.