Since 2002, Ho`ala students have participated in a summer service learning program called Camp Kokua. Kokua means "help or assist" in Hawaiian. Students Jason, Isabella and Aaron assist homeless children with an art project on the Big Island as part of their service this summer.

CAMP KOKUA is a two-week summer program for children ages 8 – 18 that emphasizes service to the community. With support from the University of Hawaii-Manoa Service Learning Program, it was founded in 2002 and emphasizes the importance for children to see themselves as capable, contributing members of a democratic society from a very early age.

This year, Camp Kokua Students participated in the following community service projects:

1. A 4-day trip to the Big Island that included;
a. removing invasive plant species with the Vegetation Program, Division for Natural Resources Management at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,
b. packing backpacks with school supplies for homeless children ages 4 – 7 at Camp Kalopa,
c. working with the Big Island Special Olympics program.
2. Back on O`ahu, students;
a. made a portable fence to secure an open area for children at Ho`ala School,
b. performed a service project with Organ Donors Hawaii,
c. worked with the Blue Planet Foundation,
d. made a Peace Garden at a foster child intake facility, and
participated in craft projects with adults with disabilities at Lanakila Teaching/Learning Center.

Camp Kokua was recently recognized nationally by the Character Education Partnership in Washington, DC.

2010 Promising Practices Award for Ho`ala School's "Camp Kokua, Learning by Serving" and the "Parent Teacher Study Group." (PTSG)

The Character Education Partnership (CEP) gives these annual award for unique and specific exemplary practices that encourage the ethical, social, and academic growth of K-12 students through character education.

"These educators have found creative ways to improve school climate and, as a result, their students are learning more, doing the right thing, and giving back to others," said Lara Maupin, associate director of National Schools of Character.

Schools were selected for their unique and effective school improvement efforts.
Winning practices include new and effective ways to help students solve conflicts, decrease bullying, and take action in their schools and communities as well as programs to increase parent and community involvement.