Westside Nonprofit Builds Belonging for Keiki Statewide

Keiki on the Rocks (KOTR), a nonprofit born in Mākaha, is turning learning into an adventure for Hawaiʻi’s children, especially those in underserved and underrepresented communities. By connecting classroom lessons with real-world, culturally grounded, hands-on experiences, KOTR helps keiki explore, create, and find a sense of belonging while building pride in Hawaiʻi’s stories.

That mission took center stage at this year’s Keiki Bash on October 4, 2025 on the west side for a second year in a row, presented by main sponsor Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Families, educators, and community partners gathered for a full day of learning through play. Ten keiki emcees from across the West Side joined the main MC throughout the day, welcoming performers, guiding families to what was next, and encouraging peers to participate in activities. Around the venue, community partners hosted challenges, cultural storytelling, and demonstrations that connected tradition to daily life. Resource tables offered year-round program information, while local food and small family-owned business vendors added a magical feel.

The program design reflected KOTR’s core belief that opportunity should be both enriching and accessible. Stations paired ʻohana-friendly activities with gentle leadership development, so keiki could practice public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving in welcoming, age-appropriate settings. Parents discovered practical resources so that support for each keiki could continue long after the event.

“We are excited to see how this event continues to evolve, and how our organization can keep serving the community in deeper, more meaningful ways.” – Po’okela Mossman, VP of Keiki on the Rocks.

Mahalo to Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center as our main sponsor, and to the many partners and helpers who carried the vision forward. Their commitment brought plans to life and made the event possible.

Keiki Bash is free and open to everyone, and it is continuing to grow each year. The plan is simple, keep listening, keep improving, and keep bringing learning to life for keiki. Stay tuned for updates and reach out if you want to be involved.

To learn more or get involved, visit keikiontherocks.org, email info@keikiontherocks.org, or call 808-797-0119. Together, we can transform education and inspire Hawaiʻi’s youth to dream big.