From bugs to butterflies, it was a fun outdoor adventure at the 8th annual Ko Olina Children’s Festival on the beach fronting Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Hundreds of children and their families attended, raising $60,000 for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.
The festival has now raised $450,000 for Kapiolani since 2014. This year’s proceeds will benefit Kapiolani’s new Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center. Slated for completion in late 2026, the center will provide state-of-the-art cancer care for some of the most complex diseases and conditions in women and children.
“We are truly grateful to be able to support the visionary and lifesaving work of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children,” Chynna Stone Showe, vice president of The Resort Group, master developer of Ko Olina Resort, and Kapiolani Health Foundation board member, said. “Today is the day we celebrate the courage of countless families under Kapiolani’s care, all in a fun and entertaining way. A huge mahalo to everyone who came out to enjoy the festivities, including our community partners and volunteers. They, too, share in our commitment to support Kapiolani’s incredible work.”
This year’s festival was inspired by Disney*Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life,” which was the feature film shown on the beach at sunset. In line with the theme, the University of Hawaii’s entomology team hosted several interactive bug-related activities, including cockroach races. Paradise Monarchs educated children on the life cycle of caterpillars and showcased its unique butterfly dome. In addition, artist Jasper Wong, the Bishop Museum, Malama Learning Center, Nanakuli High & Intermediate School, facepainters and more rounded out the day’s activities.
Along with the bug-themed booths, many of the festival’s fan favorite activities returned, including Aulani’s Ohana Hula Show where Mickey and Stitch danced with the kids.
Close to sunset, Kapiolani’s 2024 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Leila-Rose Coloma, 7, and her family took to the stage. They shared the story of how Leila spent the first several months of her life in intensive care at Kapiolani with two rare heart conditions, and underwent open-heart surgery before her first birthday. Leila’s appearance was made even more special when 100 butterflies were released to everyone’s delight. The release represented hope that all pediatric patients being treated at Kapiolani would one day grow into strong, healthy children who can take on the world.
“The Ko Olina Children’s Festival is an event we look forward to every year,” Dawn Dunbar, HPH senior vice president of Philanthropy, said. “This year’s festival was filled with so many fun activities. We are grateful for all those who attended to support Kapiolani’s vital care for our community.”
Photo (top): (from left) Liam Coloma; Jared Coloma; Kayley Coloma; Chynna Stone Showe, vice president of The Resort Group, master developer of Ko Olina Resort, and Kapiolani Health Foundation board member; Gidget Ruscetta, Kapiolani chief operating officer; Dawn Dunbar, HPH senior vice president of Philanthropy; 2024 Kapiolani Children’s Miracle Network Champion Leila-Rose Coloma.