Our Journey
The Hawaii Hale Organization, initially established as Team Hawaii International Athletics, has been a guiding light in our community since 2008 and formally recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit since 2013.
Our roots are deeply embedded in the concept of Pu’uhonua—a place of refuge. This vision was born out of a critical period in Hawaii’s history, marked by high incarceration rates and significant health crises, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which is the leading cause of death due to chronic conditions.
Our founder saw the urgent need for a sanctuary that would offer the keiki (children) of our community a safe space to engage in sports, education, and cultural connections, fostering a healthier, more hopeful future.
Expansion and Evolution
By 2013, recognizing the changing needs of our community, we expanded our mission. We introduced additional sports, travel teams, and a broader age range of programs, extending our reach from keiki to kupuna (elders).
Our offerings grew to include a diverse array of activities such as t-ball, little league, softball, football, track and field, basketball, wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, MMA, and more, all under the umbrella of the Hawaii International Family Fitness Center.
***The Family Fitness Center was a facility. A gym with workout machines and fitness classes. It wasn’t part of the non-profit but Serge was the owner so it was connected with all we were doing.
This expansion allowed us to touch the lives of Native Hawaiians throughout our community, spanning ages 4 to 99, and to celebrate our culture through numerous ohana (family) events, sport showcases, and cultural workshops.
Adapting to New Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, halting our sports programs and prompting a reevaluation of our mission. In these trying times, our focus shifted towards supporting Hawaii’s youth athletes in achieving their dreams of college athletics. Many local student-athletes harbor aspirations of playing sports at the collegiate level and beyond—a dream often perceived as out of reach.
Our revised mission aims to bridge this gap, providing these talented individuals with the opportunities and support needed to succeed at the next level. This evolution led to the creation of Hawaii Hale LLC in Utah, a pre-college home for student-athletes, marking a significant step forward in our journey.
Why We Left
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought fear and uncertainty, disrupting the very fabric of our community. The statewide stay-at-home orders, closure of schools and businesses, and the overarching health crisis threatened to sever the connections that bind us.
But our commitment to our culture and beliefs remained steadfast, even as the world around us seemed to shift. The challenges of remote learning, vaccination mandates, and the impact on sports and daily life only strengthened our resolve to support our community in new and meaningful ways.
Hawaii Hale LLC: The Next Chapter
Our journey to Utah was inspired by the potential for greater opportunities for our athletes. The story of how Coach Junior Tagovailoa discovered one of our athletes is a testament to the power of community and the unbreakable spirit of our youth.
This journey from West Valley to Farmington and the successes and challenges along the way underscore the importance of our work.
Housing 17 boys over the past two years and witnessing their growth and achievements reinforces our belief in the transformative power of sport and education.
Our Commitment
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of our community’s needs, our commitment to the wellbeing and success of the youth remains unwavering.
The Hawaii Hale Organization stands as a testament to the resilience, culture, and spirit of our people. We invite you to join us in this journey, to support our mission, and to be a part of the legacy we are building for future generations.