8 decades, 4 chapters

“Find the giants that have stood here since the plantation days. How many monkeypods guard this garden?”

The Will Smith Imua Discovery Garden cultivates a creative culture where the inquisitive and growing minds of children can learn through play and exploration in dynamic outdoor environments designed just for them.

“Eighty years, eighty miles. Who is walking the whole island to hear what Maui’s families need next?”

To mark 80 years of Imua moving forward for Maui’s keiki, CEO Dean Wong is walking 80 miles around the island. The walk is about listening as much as distance: along the way Dean meets community members, hears where families still need support, and learns how Imua can keep making a difference. Walk any part of the route, share your voice, and help shape the next 80 years.

The QR code travels with Dean, so there is no fixed checkpoint for this one.

“Where do Imua families share their sweetest aloha each February?”

Every February the Imua Inclusion Preschool Parent ʻOhana Group brings some extra sweetness to the community with its annual Valentine’s Day Bake Sale. Families bake and donate cookies, cupcakes, brownies and local favorites, and every purchase supports the preschool’s keiki: classroom materials, learning experiences and special activities.

“Where do Maui’s newest ʻohana get showered with aloha beneath the monkeypods?”

Twice a year Imua welcomes expecting parents to a lavish shower created just for them, with gifts, prizes, games and activities in the shade of the historic monkeypod trees. Community volunteers help lead the games and make each growing family feel supported as they prepare to welcome their little one.

“Step right up! Which celebration in April will mark 80 years of helping Maui’s keiki shine?”

Every April Imua hosts its Annual Gala, a festive evening that raises critical funds for the programs that help Maui’s keiki reach their full potential. In 2027 the circus-themed gala honors eight decades of serving children and families. Every ticket, auction bid and donation goes directly toward early intervention, preschool and family support services.

“At which spring celebration does everyone leave wearing the same rainbow?”

Inspired by Holi, the ancient Hindu “Festival of Colors”, the festival fills the MACC grounds with music, dancing and bright clouds of color. People of every age and background throw colored powder at one another until everyone is covered in the same rainbow. That spirit of joy and togetherness reflects inclusion, one of Imua’s core values.

“Which Maui ballroom, born from plans for a Hollywood legend’s home, hosts a prom where dreams take center stage?”

A magical evening where every guest gets to be the star of the night. Guests step through stained-glass doors into a grand ballroom with views of Haleakalā and the ocean on both sides of the island. The clubhouse was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, based on plans he drew up in the 1950s for a home for Marilyn Monroe that was never built.

“Lights, camera, keiki! Which May festival puts young storytellers on the big screen?”

Maui’s own film festival about kids, for kids and by kids. Young filmmakers ages 6 to 20 turn their ideas and life experiences into short films that premiere on the big screen. Be Reel is part of Imua’s Real Action for Kids initiative, which works to make sure every child on Maui has what they need to thrive by 2030. After debuting at the ʻĪao Theater in 2026, it returns for its second year.

“Since 1976, where have Maui’s keiki spent a week each June finding adventure, friendship and belonging?”

For 50 years Camp Imua has given children with special needs and disabilities a week of overnight camp where they can simply be themselves. Campers go horseback riding, enjoy beach outings and helicopter rides, dance at parties, and take part in Hawaiian traditions like kalo pounding. Every camper is paired with a trained youth volunteer counselor, ages 16 to 21, and many become lifelong friends. Camp is free to families, largely thanks to Paddle Imua.

“Which North Shore race began as a last-ditch effort to save a summer camp and now draws paddlers from around the world?”

Paddle Imua began in 2012 as a last-ditch effort to save Camp Imua when the camp faced losing its funding. It has grown into one of Hawaiʻi’s most celebrated downwind races. Paddlers, foilers and ocean athletes race Maui’s North Shore on outrigger canoes, stand-up paddleboards, prone boards, wing foils and kites. Every entry sends keiki to Camp Imua at no cost, and the day ends with an ʻohana festival where racers meet the campers.

Two checkpoints to play: the start and the finish.

“Where can you serve up some aloha to the people who serve Maui’s keiki every day?”

Each year Imua’s therapists, teachers, specialists and support staff gather for the Annual InService Conference to hear from guest speakers on early childhood development, inclusion and family support. The conference is mainly for Imua’s team, but community members can volunteer to help serve lunch, and open sessions are sometimes offered to the public.

“Where do Maui’s littlest ghosts and goblins trick-or-treat their way through a trail of treats each October?”

A free, family-friendly evening of not-so-spooky fun that began in 2021 at the Discovery Garden and has grown into one of Maui’s favorite Halloween traditions. Little ghosts, goblins and princesses follow a trail of trick-or-treat stations, meet friendly critters at the petting encounters, build with Ben’s Big Blue Building Blocks, and enjoy food trucks and live music as the sun goes down.

“Which celebration returns in the fall to welcome Maui’s newest little ones?”

The Oh Baby! Baby Shower returns in the fall to celebrate expecting parents and their growing ʻohana. With gifts, games, prizes and activities beneath the monkeypod trees at the Discovery Garden, the event gives families a space to connect and feel supported ahead of a new arrival.

“Which Maui ride circles a mountain, isn’t a race, and turns every mile into a child’s dream?”

Cyclists of all levels take on the West Maui Mountain Loop, widely considered one of the best rides in the world: sea cliffs, winding coastal roads, lush valleys and sweeping ocean views. Pedal Imua is a Gran Fondo, Italian for “big ride”, not a race. Every pedal stroke supports Dream Imua, which gives children facing serious challenges the chance to create their own Dream Day on Maui.

Two checkpoints to play, plus Lorraine’s Turnaround on the map.

“Since about 1950, who has made sure every Imua keiki receives a gift each holiday season?”

One of Imua’s oldest traditions. As early as 1950 Santa began making a special stop so every child receiving Imua’s services got a gift of their very own. Generations later that promise still stands: Santa arrives with a gift for every keiki in Imua’s programs, and families gather for holiday music, crafts, treats and photos.

“Tune in! Where can you hear real conversations about real action for Maui’s keiki?”

Each episode brings together parents, educators, specialists, community leaders and sometimes keiki themselves for honest conversations about raising healthy, happy children on Maui, from early childhood development and inclusion to family wellness and the everyday joys of growing up in Hawaiʻi.

“Somewhere close, a story’s waiting to air, about ʻohana, impact, or a moment you’ll always share. No cameras rolling, no stage, no fuss, just your voice, telling us why you’re one of us.”

Record a voice memo or video testimonial about how being part of Imua’s ʻohana has impacted you, or about an Imua event you recently attended. Testimonials may be used by Imua for marketing and promotion.