Reuben's story

When Reuben Pali was growing up in Lahaina, Maui he learned to play ukulele from his extensive Hawaiian family where every single member could join in ‘kanikapila’, This was customary in Lahaina, where keiki and teens would carry ukuleles around with them everywhere, strumming as they would walk along the road or relax on the beach. But by 2014 he saw that scene less and less. He found out  that music was not being taught to Lahaina's keiki in school. 

Since then, Reuben and his team have taught music to more than 500 keiki through the After School Music Club and other programs.

Maui Music Mission makes music education accessible,  equipping kids with superior cognitive development, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and social skills; as well as better physical development through music education. 

Music is both the foundation and fountain of learning which prepares children for success in all areas of life.  Maui Music Mission is inspiring hope through music because we believe that a dream fulfilled is a tree of life!

We call upon parents, educators, and policymakers to invest in music education for the benefit of our children and communities.