Island to Island

A few weeks ago, my team and I did something that felt both completely crazy and absolutely necessary: we packed our bags and hopped between three Hawaiian islands with one simple mission: connect with young people and share about the opportunities God has for them.

Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. Three islands, ten days, and countless moments that reminded me why Holoholo exists.

Beginning in Maui, our time there felt way too short, but it was incredible to be back. Since we’d been there last year, it felt like coming home to family. Pastor Greg from Living Way Church has been at the forefront of Lahaina fire relief, a constant presence in the community. The church bought containers and put up temporary housing for those in need. They’ve also gotten food trucks and partnered with local businesses to provide convenient meals for workers.

Watching this church serve with such fervent Aloha was incredible. Being able to serve alongside them felt like such a privilege.

Then we headed to Molokai. What an adventure! When we arrived, we met with our contacts and got acquainted with the churches we’d be working with. There was preparation ahead, planning for the dental ministry event and the youth meetings.

Our first evening was special; we celebrated one of our staff, Trinity, along with two of her brothers who had just graduated from college and high school.

Then we helped facilitate youth group at Church of the Nazarene. There’s something special about sharing dances, testimonies, and encouragements with young people. Sure, we wanted them to think about DTS, but more than that, we wanted them to think bigger about how the Lord wants to use them.

Saturday was packed. We hosted an Open Air Event at the local Baptist church to bring joy to the kids and help brighten the day for families waiting for the dental ministry. It was crazy-fun and definitely hot, but seeing everyone enjoying themselves made every drop of sweat worth it.

The day ended with us getting invited to celebrate a birthday and “talk story” with the pastors and family at Kaunakakai Baptist Church. Hawaiian hospitality just hits different.

Finally, we headed to Oahu, where our team ran a youth event. We kept it casual: provided food and drinks, created a relaxed atmosphere, but still shared about DTS opportunities. There was one young man in his twenties who seemed miraculously open to the idea. When we talked about six months in discipleship training, he said something about how if God is calling him to it, he will listen. That’s the kind of heart God is looking for.

That’s what this whole week was about: not just recruiting, but building relationships. Showing up. Being present. Letting young people know that God sees them and has plans for them.

Each island had its own personality, its own stories, its own young people asking big questions about their future. Every single interaction reminded me that Hawaii is full of young people who are hungry for more—more purpose, more adventure, more of Jesus.

What struck me most was how ready these young locals are to step into leadership. They’re not waiting for someone from the mainland to come fix their problems; they want to be the ones making the difference. They just need someone to believe in them and give them the tools.

That’s exactly what Holoholo is about: raising up the locals of Hawaii. Not bringing in outsiders to do the work, but equipping the people who are already here, who already understand the culture and have the relationships.

This outreach reminded me why I believe in what Holoholo is doing. The kingdom of God is going to advance in Hawaii through Hawaiians. We just had the privilege of being part of that story.

This is me and my team:

God bless, Katie