Empowering Youth Through Culture and Entrepreneurship: Ulu Hou Program

In today’s world, leadership and entrepreneurship are essential skills for success. At Kahua Paʻa Mua (KPM), we believe that these skills should be rooted in culture, history, and a strong sense of place.

Now in its third year, Ulu Hou is a program made possible through Kamehameha Schools, designed to equip high school students with entrepreneurial skills, leadership development, and a deeper connection to their ʻāina. The program operates across five Hawaiʻi Island high schools—Keaʻau, Kaʻū, Honokaʻa, Hilo, and Kohala—with KPM working closely with Kohala High School to provide hands-on, culturally grounded learning experiences.

Connecting with Kūpuna and Wahi Pana

One of the core values of Ulu Hou is understanding where you come from. To foster this connection, students engage directly with kūpuna (elders) and immerse themselves in their wahi pana (storied places). These interactions provide students with invaluable insights into their heritage, helping them understand how the past shapes their present and future.

"Knowing where you come from is so important, and we want to preserve that. So we have included kūpuna to be a part of that project," says David Fuertes, Executive Director of KPM.

Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development

Ulu Hou is about empowerment. Students learn entrepreneurial skills that encourage innovation, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency. These lessons, combined with leadership development, prepare them to take initiative in their communities and beyond. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern strategies, students leave the program with a well-rounded perspective on how to lead with purpose and integrity.

Watch the Ulu Hou Program in Action

Thanks to UH Mānoa TV and Ethan Young, you can experience the impact of Ulu Hou through their video feature.

Watch the full video here: Ulu Hou Program - UH Mānoa TV