2026 ‘Aha Youth Event – Prepare to Register!

Hawai‘i Conference
2 days ago
2 min read

Aloha e Churches!

The Hawai‘i Conference United Church of Christ invites youth (in grades 6-12) from our Conference to participate in the Youth Event of this year’s ‘Aha Pae‘āina on O‘ahu. The ‘Aha Youth Event will take place from Wednesday, June 10, to Saturday, June 13, 2026. Youth will stay in the beach cabins at the beautiful Camp Mokule‘ia in Waialua on the North Shore. They will have the opportunity to strengthen their connections with God and each other, engage in activities to deepen their faith, spend time doing service and recreation, and HAVE FUN!

Note on cabins: Each cabin will have a minimum of 2-3 adult chaperones of the same gender, and 12-13 youth of the same gender.

Cost per youth will be $100 which will include everything they’ll need—airfare (for those coming from neighbor islands), transportation during the event, lodging, all meals, and registration for the ‘Aha Makua. While this registration fee may seem high, it is extremely subsidized considering the money required to hold this youth event. We do not want the cost to be prohibitive; please don't let it be the thing that prevents anyone from participating. There are opportunities for sponsorship and support! We strongly encourage churches and Associations to invest in their youth by helping families to cover (partially or fully) the $100 registration fee.

Due to our limited capacity, we will be accepting a maximum of 50 youth participants (currently in 6th-12th grade as of January 2026) for the 2026 ‘Aha Youth Event. These youth participants may or may not be the assigned delegates of their churches. (Note: All HCUCC churches are allowed one youth delegate at the ‘Aha Makua.) All youth participants must be endorsed by their Church/Association (i.e. pastor’s signature required) to participate in the Youth Track.

Registration Guidelines: Priorities & Deadlines

In consideration of fairness, we’ve created the following registration and selection process:

Churches interested in sending youth should "apply" for a spot by completing this online form (to be posted) by March 6. CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
1. This form asks churches to submit basic info for all their youths wanting to participate.
2. Each church should prioritize two youth representatives, then provide the names of any other youth wanting to participate.
3. The planning team will start by accepting the first two youth from each church (no sooner than March 6), up to 50 youth. Based on the number of slots remaining, a lottery system will be used to fill remaining slots with the additional names of youth provided, up to 50 youth, prioritizing the widest possible representation of churches.
By the end of March – Churches will hear back about their youths' registration status, which youth have been accepted. Registration information will be sent to churches at this time.
By April 24 – Churches must submit registration forms and payment for their participating youth. If registration is not received by this time, the youth spot will be forfeited and given to the next youth (if available).