Maui and Rapa Nui Cultural Exchange for Social Change

We look forward to welcoming you to our shared home in Moananuiakea. We know this opportunity for your elementary school Lorenzo Baeza Vega - Rapa Nui Hare Hapi, located on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), to participate in a linguistics, artistic, and cultural exchange program in Maui, Hawaii will have a lasting impact on both of our islands. This unique initiative is planned for the Fall/Winter period of the current year and aims to foster understanding and collaboration between two extraordinary Polynesian communities.

We welcome, Joshua Manuiti Rapu Alarcón and Ioan Haumoana Soler Hotu, the lead representatives of the 6th graders during this program. These students have been selected for their exceptional leadership skills and their enthusiasm for cultural exchange. They will play a pivotal role in representing their peers and sharing the rich heritage of Rapa Nui with the Maui community.

The delegation, including Joshua and Ioan, will participate in a week-long immersive program designed to celebrate and share the cultural traditions, languages, and artistic heritage of Rapa Nui and Hawaii. Activities will include interactive workshops on traditional crafts and storytelling, linguistic sessions exploring the connections between the Rapa Nui and Hawaiian languages, and cultural performances highlighting the shared and distinct legacies of these Pacific islands.

This program is part of a larger effort to strengthen cultural ties and sustainability practices among Pacific island communities. Students and educators from both sides will engage in reciprocal learning opportunities, showcasing Rapa Nui’s unique history, art, and environmental stewardship traditions while learning from Hawaii’s vibrant cultural and educational landscape.

To support this initiative, we have partnered with local Hawaiian schools, cultural organizations, and linguistics experts. The program itinerary includes visits to cultural sites, educational exchanges in classrooms, and collaborative projects aimed at preserving and revitalizing Polynesian heritage.

The visiting delegation will consist of approximately 21 students aged 10–12 and 20 adult chaperones, including teachers and cultural leaders. They will be fully sponsored and supported during their stay, with accommodations and transportation arrangements secured in advance.

We are confident that this exchange will be a profoundly enriching experience for both communities, fostering cross-cultural understanding, educational growth, and lasting relationships. Moreover, it aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and cultural preservation, reflecting the shared values of Hawaii and Rapa Nui.

Host or Publisher County of Maui: Mayor's Office