Ho’opi’ookalani became a participant with Best Buddies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa College Chapter in 2017. He started off as a shy person and took to being a back-of-the-room observer for many of the group activities.

“Best Buddies has made a big impact in my life because I didn’t have a lot of friends and being a part of the college chapter helps me to make new friends and allows me to be myself”, he says.

In June 2020, Ho’opi’ookalani accomplished his biggest goal as a college student: to receive his Academic Subject Certificate in Writing (creative track) at Leeward Community College. In addition, he serves as a Best Buddies of Hawai’i O’ahu Advisory Board member and has recently attended an Ambassador training on speech essentials and sharing his story. We are extremely proud of him and can’t wait to see the amazing things he will do in the future.

Thank you to all our amazing Ambassadors in Hawaii! You all have come a long way and we look forward to watching you support your communities in the coming year!

If you are interested in sharing your mission moments, the ways in which Best Buddies has changed your life, or would like to attend an ambassador training, email Program Supervisor Elizabeth Mahoe at ElizabethMahoe@bestbuddies.org for more details.