It all started with an issue.

We knew we had to do something when we noticed the UN's Global Goals going unnoticed.

So we did.

Our Story

When the COVID-19 pandemic started to escalate quickly, we knew that we wanted to help out. Due to the effects of the pandemic, the local food banks were receiving less food than usual, as people were not leaving their homes and retail locations saw a significant decline in foot traffic. We knew that this was the perfect opportunity to help everyone out. But how could we gather food and donations while still being safe during this time of isolation? After a few family meetings, we had a plan. Instead of people going to the food bank to donate food, what if we just went to gather food instead? So that’s exactly what we did. Now, more than 3 years later, we’ve gathered over 3,000 pounds of food and have doubled our amount of volunteers.

We’re now working on our next initiative: Lokahi Collective. We’ve currently surpassed our goal of donating $1000 to Maui and we can’t wait to see what milestones come next.

So c’mon! Let’s go be the next wave that changes the world!

Founder’s Message

I’ve always wanted to find a purpose. Something that I could do to positively impact the world.

Then, when the pandemic hit us in 2020, I found my opportunity. My opportunity to help a cause and benefit my community.

This organization started with a small project: something just for the neighbors to help the local foodbank. I gathered my cousins and siblings to help me, and off we went. However, after we continued to stay in isolation, it was clear to me as well as my family that these issues weren’t going away anytime soon, my parents would constantly remind me that my generation was going to be the one to continue to live with the effects of the pandemic. My teachers would say, “It’s your kuleana.” It’s your responsibility. It’s up to us. Now we have three different initiatives and we’re aiming to help bring attention to the United Nations Global Goals.

So whatever it is, however small it may be, find a way to positively impact our world every day.

FAQs

  • Next Wave is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, run by teens in Honolulu, Hawaii. That aims to target inequalities in our world and break them down while also trying to solve each one, one by one. We’re spreading awareness about inequalities in our community that everyone should be trying to solve!

  • We’re always looking for new volunteers! Please contact us by emailing nextwavehawaii@gmail.com. If there’s a specific initiative you’re interested in, be sure to let us know!

  • Follow us on Instagram to get updates, or check out our blog to see our recent news.

  • Next Wave started with our hunger initiative which worked to ensure no one in Hawaii goes hungry. Now, we’re working on new initiatives that are prevalent in our community. So c’mon! Let’s go be the next wave that changes the world.