Programs

Our Programs

Boys to Men Mentoring Hawaiʻi offers a continuum of mentoring experiences designed to support boys as they grow into confident, accountable young men. Our programs combine consistent weekly mentoring, immersive outdoor experiences, and meaningful rites of passage, providing boys with trusted relationships, life skills, and a strong sense of belonging.

At the foundation of our work are Weekly J-Group Circles, held on school campuses across Hawaiʻi. In these small group circles, trained adult mentors meet weekly with boys to build communication skills, accountability, emotional awareness, and trust. J-Groups create safe, supportive spaces where boys can speak honestly, learn from one another, and practice making healthy choices. We currently serve students at Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on Kauaʻi; Jarrett Middle School on Oʻahu; Hawaiʻi Technology Academy on Maui; and Pāhoa Intermediate, Mālamalama Waldorf School, Hilo High School, Honokaʻa Middle School, Kohala Middle School, Waimea Middle School, Waikoloa Middle School, and Kohawaena Middle School on Hawaiʻi Island.

To deepen learning beyond the classroom, boys are invited to participate in Adventure Weekends—place-based, outdoor experiences that emphasize leadership, teamwork, resilience, and connection to ʻāina. These weekends challenge boys physically and emotionally while reinforcing values such as kuleana (responsibility), mālama (care), and lokahi (balance).

For older participants, the journey culminates in a Rites of Passage Weekend, an intentional and guided experience that helps young men reflect on their challenges, clarify their values, and commit to the kind of men they want to become. Supported by mentors and peers, boys cross an important threshold toward greater responsibility, purpose, and service to their families and communities.

Together, these programs provide boys with consistent support, meaningful challenges, and a brotherhood that walks alongside them as they grow into men grounded in aloha, accountability, and integrity.

Weekly J-Group Circles

Building Trust, Accountability, and Belonging—One Week at a Time

Weekly J-Group Circles are the foundation of Boys to Men Mentoring Hawaiʻi. Held on school campuses during the school year, J-Groups bring together a group of 12 boys and trained adult mentors for consistent, relationship-based mentoring. These weekly circles provide a safe, supportive space where boys can speak honestly, listen deeply, and practice accountability.

Through guided discussions, activities, and check-ins, boys develop communication skills, emotional awareness, and respect for themselves and others. Mentors model healthy masculinity and create an environment rooted in trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect. Over time, boys build confidence, strengthen peer relationships, and learn how their choices impact their lives, families, and communities.

J-Group Circles currently serve boys at schools on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, at middle and high school campuses. By meeting boys where they are—at school and during the week—J-Groups provide consistent support during a critical stage of development.

Adventure Weekends

Learning Through Challenge, Nature, and Connection

Adventure Weekends are immersive, place-based experiences that take mentoring beyond the classroom and into the outdoors. Designed to strengthen leadership, teamwork, resilience, and self-reflection, these weekends invite boys to step outside their comfort zones while being supported by mentors and peers.

Activities may include hiking, cooperative challenges, service projects, and cultural learning rooted in respect for ʻāina and community. Adventure Weekends intentionally integrate local, contemporary, and traditional Hawaiian practices, emphasizing values such as kuleana (responsibility), mālama (care), and lokahi (balance).

Through shared challenges and reflection, boys build trust, develop problem-solving skills, and gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and responsibilities. Adventure Weekends often serve as powerful turning points, helping boys see themselves as capable, connected, and supported.

Rites of Passage Weekends

Crossing a Threshold Into Young Manhood

Rites of Passage Weekends are guided, intentional experiences for boys who are ready to reflect deeply on who they are and the kind of men they want to become. Rooted in mentoring traditions found across cultures, these weekends mark an important transition from boyhood toward greater responsibility, purpose, and accountability.

During the Rites of Passage, participants engage in structured reflection, challenge, and ceremony, supported closely by trained mentors. Boys are invited to examine personal obstacles, clarify their values, and make commitments to themselves, their families, and their communities. Culturally grounded themes and place-based learning reinforce lessons of leadership, humility, and service.

This experience helps young men leave with a clearer sense of identity, belonging, and direction—knowing they are not alone and that a community of men stands ready to support them.

Testimonials

Stories of Change

"Partnering with Boys to Men has transformed how our students see themselves. The consistent mentoring and cultural activities give them confidence and purpose."

– School Administrator, Kauaʻi

"Our collaboration on Adventure Weekends allows youth to connect with the ʻāina and learn important life skills. The program’s impact is visible in both school and home life."

Community Leader, Hawaiʻi Island