Blessing held for Piʻikoi Youth Center Friday
Published on June 19, 2026
LĪHUʻE – The Office of the Mayor held a blessing ceremony on Friday, June 19, for the new Piʻikoi Youth Center, located at the Līhuʻe Civic Center.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami was joined by County officials, partners, and program providers at the ceremony. The center transforms the former Līhuʻe Big Save space into a dedicated space for children where several organizations will operate, giving access to free youth programming, infant – toddler center, and family support services.
“Our keiki and families have always been at the heart of this vision, and this center is for them,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Every child who walks through these doors will have a safe, welcoming place to learn, play, and grow, and every family will have a place to turn for the programs and support they need. This building once served our community as the Līhuʻe Big Save, and there is something truly special about seeing it take on new life as a home for our children.”
The Department of Public Works, the Department of Planning, and the Purchasing Division each played a role in carrying the project from concept to completion, with support from the Office of the County Attorney. The State Department of Human Services provided guidance throughout the process to ensure the renovated facility will meet the licensing requirements for the early learning and youth programs it would house.
The Piʻikoi Youth Center is home to four organizations dedicated to teaching and nurturing Kauaʻi’s keiki:
- Keala Foundation – Free Youth Fitness program, mentorship, and a homework support center
- Keiki o ka ʻĀina Learning Centers – Infant and toddler center
- Kauaʻi Police Activities League (K-PAL) – Youth Mentorship, E-sports, and other activities offered in partnership with law enforcement
- ʻAʻaea – Family Learning Interaction Program – programming that strengthens early learning and family engagement
The Keala Foundation will be the center’s first tenant, and is anticipated to be operational at the center in August. Other programs and services will be introduced in phases as participating organizations complete their operational preparations. Additional updates regarding program availability, enrollment information, and operating schedules will be provided in future updates.
For more information, please contact Natasha Perry at 808-241-4914 or nperry@kauai.gov.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, left, and Kahu Kelvin Ho take part in the blessing of the Piʻikoi Youth Center on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Guests gather outside the new Piʻikoi Youth Center during the blessing ceremony on Friday, June 19, 2026.
ayor Derek S.K. Kawakami delivers remarks during the blessing ceremony for the Piʻikoi Youth Center on Friday, June 19, 2026.
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