Purple Maiʻa

ʻOhana Studios
Next event coming soon!

Kaikaina Kula

Empowering community through the application of indigenous innovation, technology and computer science.

For close to a decade Purple Maiʻa has been at the forefront of Indigenous Innovation and Computer Science here in Hawai’i.  We have grown from our humble beginnings as a small after school coding program at Jarrett Middle School to now reaching over 700 Keiki across the Pae ‘Āina every year.  As we look to the future we are excited to expand our programs into what we call our Kaikaina Kula!

The word Kula is most often associated with the western model of education that we know today as school.  However, if we dig deeper, we find that a Kula also describes an open field ready to be cultivated.  This is how we at Purple Maiʻa choose to view our Kula.  We create fertile educational spaces in which our haumāna can be planted, nurtured, and eventually grow to produce amazing fruit.

Our programs

Eahou means taking in a breath of fresh air and breathe new life into our world.  Eahou studio streams will give haumāna the opportunity to share their fresh perspectives and creations with the community in ways that amplify our Mo’olelo and address the challenges that are relevant to our people both today and for generations to come. 

A partnership of Purple Maiʻa, WCC, and Kailua High for students’ academic success, confidence building, problem-solving, and community support. Hālau Hekili equips students with skills and cultural values for a thriving future.

Discover your piko, ignite passion, and live your purpose. The Future Ancestors Program empowers students to blend tradition and tech, amplifying ancestral wisdom. Uncover value in your community, paving the way for Indigenous Innovation and Entrepreneurship rooted in Hawaiian values.

Unlike conventional PD, Purple Maiʻa values teachers’ professionalism. We offer “Pilina Development” instead, recognizing their expertise. Choose from intro to in-depth CS808 sessions tailored to schools and teachers’ needs.

Kaikaina Team

Mike Sarmiento

VP of Educational Design
Jacqueline Kroupa

Jacqueline Kroupa

Lead Creative Technologist
Dan Kinzer

Dan Kinzer

Lead Community Technologist

Kiane Prietto

Community Kumu

Cerina Livaudias

Community Kumu
Michelle Fujie

Michelle Fujie

Community Kumu

Nak

Kumu

Chris Rothschild

Hālau Hekili Lead Community Technologist