Miki’ala Lidstone

Born in Nānākuli and raised in Kailua on the island of O‘ahu, Miki‘ala Lidstone finds her strength in sense of place. Today she lives in Kapolei not far from where she was born in Nānākuli. In 2014, Lidstone founded the Ulu Aʻe Learning Center whose mission is to empower and enrich lives through culture and place-based programs that develop skills, build confidence and promote healthy relationships based on Hawaiian customs and values. The seeds of Ulu Aʻe were first planted in 2004 by parents and community organizations that urged Lidstone to expand the place and culture-based educational programs she conducted as a teacher at Kapolei High School and as a kumu hula with Hālau ʻo Kaululauaʻe. As a result, Lidstone expanded her reach and capacity to deliver programs and curriculum to residents living in the ahupuaʻa of Honouliuli and today throughout the greater area of the West O‘ahu. She is committed to place-based education and believes that all keiki and youth should have endless opportunities to grow their relationship to ‘āina (land).