ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement Conference
Deadline Extended:
- We understand some students have recently submitted their Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) applications and are awaiting approval. Students in this situation may enter 000000 in the HRP field to submit their materials while we review. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis, with 50 seats available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as space is limited.
Program Legacy to Today
Launched in 1988, ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA was created to cultivate ʻike, leadership, and civic responsibility among Hawaiian youth through a culturally grounded legislative experience. Conceived by OHA educators, kūpuna, community leaders, and dedicated volunteers, the original program blended parliamentary training, cultural learning, and leadership centered on aloha—creating a space where ʻōpio could explore governance while deepening their connection to lāhui, ʻāina, and kuleana. Alumni from the early years (1988-2005) went on to serve as community leaders, advocates, educators, and public servants, carrying forward the values and lessons shaped during this formative experience.
Today, ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA will continue its powerful legacy as a week-long, residential leadership and civic education program for high school students from across Hawaiʻi and beyond to haumāna who reside on Moku Honu (Turtle Island) from the Atlantic to the Pacific. ʻŌpio will practice collaboration, strengthen their voice, and envision their role in shaping Hawaiʻi’s future as leaders by engaging in workshops, cultural experiences, and legislative simulations that honor the program’s roots while responding to the needs of today’s lāhui.
ʻAha ʻŌpio o OHA 2026
June 21 – 26, 2026 | Honolulu
A free, residential, week-long leadership experience for Hawaiʻi high school students who are interested in culture, leadership, and advocacy for our lāhui.
Program Highlights include:
- Huakaʻi to wahi pana and significant historic sites
- Public speaking workshops
- Drafting bills to become laws
- Conducting legislative research
- Participating in mock committee hearings and parliamentary procedures
Who can apply?
- Students currently enrolled in high school in Hawaiʻi or on the U.S. continent. (Priority to grade 11 students).
- Be enrolled in OHA’s Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP).
- Be able to fully participate in the week-long, in-person residential program on Oʻahu.
What is the program application deadline?
- Monday, February 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EXTENDED!
- We understand some students have recently submitted their Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) applications and are awaiting approval. Students in this situation may enter 000000 in the HRP field to submit their materials while we review. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis, with 50 seats available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as space is limited.
Notifications will be emailed by March 31, 2026.
Program Costs
OHA will cover all interisland airfare, lodging, meals, and program transportation throughout the week.
Participants are responsible for coordinating transportation from their home to the airport.
Before you Apply – Checklist
1. OHA Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP) number
- Not registered yet? Click here to register.
- Under Applicant Information: Are you currently applying for an OHA program?
- Select: YES and Type in: Aha Opio o OHA
2. Proof of U.S. Residency (one required)
- Birth Certificate OR U.S. Passport OR Certificate of Naturalization
- Entire document must be visible and legible.
- Must not be altered or tampered with.
3. Two (2) Recommenders and their contact information
- Recommenders must email their letters of recommendation directly to ahaopio@oha.org by March 6, 2026 at 11:59p.m.
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- One (1) from a teacher, school counselor, or other school staff
- One (1) from a kumu hula, mentor, coach, community leader or cultural practitioner
4. Time to reflect and complete written responses
- Download Short-answer and essay questions Aha Opio Essay Form.
- Save your document as a PDF (File name example: FirstLastName_Essay)
5. A parent or legal guardian available to complete the application with the student.
How to apply?
Step 1: Gather Required Documents & Arrange Letters of Recommendation
- Refer to the Before You Apply – Checklist above
Step 2: Complete Online Application & Submit Required Documents
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- Arrange for two (2) letters of recommendation to be sent directly by the recommender to ahaopio@oha.org by Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- One (1) from a teacher, school counselor, or another school affiliated position
- One (1) a Kumu Hula, mentor, supervisor, coach, club leader or other community member
Applications are considered complete only after the online application, required documents, and both letters of recommendation are received.
Need Kōkua with your application?
For accessibility needs or application assistance, Call (808) 594-1835 , E-Mail ahaopio@oha.org , or Visit: www.oha.org/offices
