8th Annual Ko Olina Children's Festival Raises $60,000 to Support Cancer Care for Women and Children
Press Release: Ko Olina (May 11, 2024) – From bugs to butterflies, it was a fun outdoor adventure at the 8th annual Ko Olina Children’s Festival on the beach fronting Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Hundreds of children and their families attended, raising $60,000 for Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children.
The festival has now raised $450,000 for Kapiʻolani since 2014. This year’s proceeds will benefit Kapiʻolani’s new Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center. Slated for completion in late 2026, the center will provide state-of-the-art cancer care for some of the most complex diseases and conditions in women and children.”
“We are truly grateful to be able to support the visionary and lifesaving work of Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children,” Chynna Stone Showe, vice president of The Resort Group, master developer of Ko Olina Resort, and Kapiʻolani Health Foundation board member, said. “Today is the day we celebrate the courage of countless families under Kapiʻolani’s care, all in a fun and entertaining way. A huge mahalo to everyone who came out to enjoy the festivities, including our community partners and volunteers. They, too, share in our commitment to support Kapiʻolani’s incredible work.”
This year’s festival was inspired by Disney*Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life,” which was the feature film shown on the beach at sunset. In line with the theme, the University of Hawaiʻi’s entomology team hosted several interactive bug-related activities, including cockroach races. Paradise Monarchs educated children on the life cycle of caterpillars and showcased its unique butterfly dome. In addition, artist Jasper Wong, the Bishop Museum, Mālama Learning Center, Nānākuli High & Intermediate School, facepainters and more rounded out the day’s activities.
Along with the bug-themed booths, many of the festival’s fan favorite activities returned, including Aulani’s ‘Ohana Hula Show where Mickey and Stitch danced with the kids.
Close to sunset, Kapiʻolani’s 2024 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Leila-Rose Coloma, 7, and her family took to the stage. They shared the story of how Leila spent the first several months of her life in intensive care at Kapiʻolani with two rare heart conditions, and underwent open-heart surgery before her first birthday. Leila’s appearance was made even more special when 100 butterflies were released to everyone’s delight. The release represented hope that all pediatric patients being treated at Kapiʻolani would one day grow into strong, healthy children who can take on the world.
“The Ko Olina Children’s Festival is an event we look forward to every year,” Dawn Dunbar, HPH senior vice president of Philanthropy, said. “This year’s festival was filled with so many fun activities. We are grateful for all those who attended to support Kapiʻolani’s vital care for our community.”
About Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children
Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children is Hawaiʻi’s only maternity, newborn and pediatric specialty medical center. With 253 beds, the not-for-profit medical center delivers more than 6,000 babies a year and provides numerous community and specialty services for patients throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region and is home to the Kapiʻolani Women’s Center, the Women’s Cancer Center and The Sex Abuse Treatment Center. Kapiʻolani is a part of Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, one of the state’s leading health care systems and a not-for-profit health care organization with medical centers, clinics, physicians and other caregivers working together to create a healthier Hawaiʻi. Learn more at Kapiʻolani.org.
About Ko Olina Resort
Ko Olina is a 642-acre resort community on the western shore of Oʻahu. Resort partners include Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, Beach Villas at Ko Olina, Ko Olina Golf Club, Ko Olina Marina, and the Ko Olina Station and Ko Olina Center retail hub. The resort, known as Oʻahu’s premier vacation destination, also features four pristine oceanfront lagoons connected by 1 ½ miles of shoreline pathways, access to a diverse selection of ocean and outdoor activities, and the island’s best weather. Learn more at KoOlina.com.
