Aloha 1st Athletics: Building a Movement Through Education, Wellness and Sports
Aloha 1st Kickoff Luncheon
On Saturday, May 9th, officially launched its vision for the future at the beautiful Honolulu Country Club during the inaugural Aloha 1st Kickoff Luncheon.
The event brought together an extraordinary collection of leaders from across Hawaii — including representatives from education, business, politics, philanthropy, community organizations, and coaches from the University of Hawaii athletic programs. More than just a luncheon, it served as the beginning of a larger movement centered around transforming the way athletics and education work together to impact lives.
Throughout the event, Aloha 1st casted the vision for what is currently happening and whats to come planting seeds for initiatives designed to develop and empower youth, strengthen families, develop leaders, and create long-term opportunities through athletics and intentional mentorship. Guests left challenged and inspired, rethinking the role athletics and sports has in shaping identity, purpose, education, and community transformation.
The luncheon marked a significant milestone for Aloha 1st Athletics and established the foundation for meaningful partnerships and collaborative efforts moving forward.
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The Jayden Maiava Project
One of the most impactful initiatives to emerge from the Aloha 1st movement was the Jayden Maiava Project- a community-driven effort centered around giving back, inspiring youth, bringing Jaydens dreams to life being able to serve and give back and creating lasting impact across Palolo Valley and beyond.
Jayden Maiava, a product of the Aloha 1st movement and current quarterback at the University of Southern California, enters into his senior season as one of the nation’s premier college football players and a recognized Heisman Trophy candidate. Together with Aloha 1st Athletics, Jayden brought to life a vision focused on pouring back into the same community that helped shape his journey.
The project included visits to three Department of Education schools that played major roles in his upbringing:
- Kaimuki High School — where Jayden played under Aloha 1st Athletics CEO Coach David Tautofi — hosted a special session with seniors in the school library, where Jayden shared wisdom, encouragement, inspiration, and messages of aloha.
- Jarrett Middle School welcomed Jayden during a full-school assembly focused on hope, perseverance, leadership, and purpose.
- Palolo Elementary School — Jayden’s former elementary school — provided a heartfelt full-circle moment as he spent time with kindergarten students and read books alongside them.
The centerpiece of the project was the free youth football camp held at Palolo Valley District Park. The camp served more than 300 youth athletes ages 6–14 and primarily impacted underserved and underprivileged families throughout Palolo Valley while also drawing participants from communities across Oahu.
The success of the event was made possible through the support of incredible community partners including Domino’s Pizza Hawaii, Tihati Productions, A-1 A-Lectrician, Honolulu Police Department, and the Ironworkers Union, along with many additional sponsors and volunteers who helped bless the youth and families in attendance.
A special highlight of the project included a visit from Josh Green, who spent time with Coach David Tautofi discussing the needs of Hawaii’s youth, communities, and opportunities to better serve local families. Governor Green also connected with Jayden and many of the children throughout the event.
Beyond the camp itself, the Jayden Maiava Project became a powerful platform for relationship building and future collaboration. Partnerships and connections were established with organizations and brands including ESPN, Fox Sports, USC, QB Reps, and ’Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach — with many more opportunities and partnerships continuing to develop in the months ahead.
Together, these events showcased the heart of Aloha 1st Athletics: using sports as a vehicle to inspire purpose, create opportunity, build leadership, and transform communities through aloha.