the Ho’oponopono
Way of life
Awaken and Embrace the human soul’s true identity
ALOHA FROM THE TEAM
Aloha!
I am Donna Marie Vida. Born in 1957 and raised in the beautiful Waikapu valley on the island of Maui in Hawaiʻi. I come from a large family and am of Hawaiʻian ancestry along with my 5 siblings. My parents were also born and raised on Maui and are of Hawaiʻian ancestry.
I attended St Anthony grade and high schools, graduating in 1975. I am a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi where I studied Sociology, Psychology, and Education. I earned a B.A in Sociology in 1978. I have a diverse career, working in Education, Human Services, Mental Health, and Agriculture with a focus on sustainability and horticulture therapy.
Currently, I am the author of the book, The Hoʻoponopono Way of Life: A Model for Awakening and Embracing the Human Soul’s True Identity. I am doing personal freedom life coaching for individuals, families, and groups. I offer online courses and group empowerment seminars. I also provide consultation and training for private groups, schools, organizations, and businesses interested in adapting the hoʻoponopono way of life into its mission, program, and curriculum.
I am a licensed minister and have been doing creative intuitive spiritual counseling for over 30 years throughout my career in teaching, sustainable farming, systems management, programming, consultation, horticulture therapy, and coaching with individuals, families, groups, organizations, schools, and government. My work embodies the attributes of visionary, strategist, community builder, and peacemaker. I am adept at describing and calling forward the best in people, situations, and scenarios that appear daunting.
I was first introduced to the hoʻoponopono way of life when I was struggling with lupus, described by the doctor at the time as an incurable disease. My kumu “teacher” was Jeri Wahinehookai. Jeri was a student of the beloved Mornah Simeona who taught hoʻoponopono throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. After six months of learning and practicing the hoʻoponopono way of life, I decided I would get tested by the State’s lupus specialist. The test results rendered me free of lupus. The hoʻoponopono way of life has saved my life more than once. That was over 20 years ago. I share my story in my non-fiction book called, The Hoʻoponopono Way of Life: A Model for Awakening and Embracing the Human Soul’s True Identity.
I was offered the opportunity in 1993 by a nonprofit organization called The Maui Farm, Inc, to design, operate and manage a new farm-based, family model residential program for foster youth and families dealing with domestic violence. I decided to use universal principles, and natural laws to guide me. I knew in my bones from the very beginning that by creating an environment that would offer these individuals and families the opportunity to live the hoʻoponopono way of life, they too would heal and bring their lives back into balance and harmony. And most of them did! They learned to change their self-identity, grow their esteem, and transform their lives for good.
The Maui Farm is located on 8.3 acres of land in Upcountry, Maui, Hawaiʻi. The non-profit’s mission is to provide farm-based, family-centered programs that teach life skills and values for self-sufficient living. The program’s primary goal is to offer a holistic lifestyle to empower the individual and strengthen the family. The guiding philosophy is to care for the ‘aina (the land, oceans, sky, and all its inhabitants) because it grants us life. The model is value-based, educational, and uses an experiential “hands-on” approach to teaching and learning. I knew as a teacher and horticulture therapist that utilizing meaningful hands-on experiences while interacting with people, plants and animals would be effective ways to heal and learn healthy attitudes, behaviors, and life skills to move forward in life. It is a program designed to meet the individual/family’s basic human needs while creating opportunities for them to grow and reach their full potential.
The program grew into a unique community-based resource offering local schools and college students the opportunity to learn about a holistic way of life for sustainable living by offering farm excursions, internships, volunteer, and community service programs. It continues to be a great resource in the community and produces positive outcomes. This non-profit agency is a testament that this model called, the hoʻoponopono way of life works not only for individuals of all ages and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, but for businesses, organizations, schools, and communities. Go to https://www.themauifarm.org to learn more.
“The Maui Farm appreciates and recognizes Donna Vida for her critical role in helping shape The Maui Farm’s programs during her years as its Program Director. Her hoʻoponopono approach provided a unique foundation to strengthen families by teaching and modeling healthy behaviors, attitudes, and skills that successfully empowered them to become self-sufficient. Mahalo Donna for sharing your compassion, and knowledge with the families and staff of The Maui Farm.” The Maui Farm Board of Directors
Meet the next Generation Practioners
Aloha Mai Ka Ko!
My name is Manoa Kaʻiokulani Martin, I most often go by Ka’io. I am a passionate Indigenous woman who lives the Ho’oponopono Way of Life. A mother of five and grandmother. Growing-up in Hana, Maui on our familyʻs ʻAina (land) by Koki Beach and the Loko’ia (native fishpond), being close to and in the elements of nature was a natural way of life for me. Born too and raised by artist parents that actively protected, educated, and preserved our Native Hawaiian & Native American Cultural beliefs, values and practices in sustaining our ʻAina and environment.
I have been gifted ancestrally with La’aulapa’au (medicine woman) mana with a closer relationship to the natural world, universal laws and principals. Leading me up and down amazing creative pathways of expressing my authentic self. My basket is beautiful and full. This includes regenerative farming as the founder of Meheula Farm Maui - Hale Pule built upon the foundation of The Ho’oponopono Way of Life in action and form. I am a natural teacher and love it, Environmental Activist - striving for clean air, water, soil and food. Conservationist in Native Hawaiian Forest Restoration and Eco systems and community minded steward that has wisdom, vision, knowledge and expertise in a vast array of mediums. With a broad skill set of experience also in the music and film business. Ranging from artists management, booking agent, event planning, film documentary production, public relations, sponsorships and radio as an on-air DJ and promotional marketing account executive.
I found myself at 30 coming out of a wild relationship of 17 years with four young Keiki to keep safe and take care of. We were in need of a safe home and environment to heal. For our safety it came to either getting accepted in the Family Strengthening Program at The Maui Farm or we would be on the Flight to freedom which means leaving our home land.
That is when I first met Aunty Donna Vida, she was running the program for woman and children at The Maui Farm. Where I learned The Ho’oponopono Way of Life. I felt seen and safe in her presence like no other time in my life. The moment I sat in her office we went into pule (prayer) involving the Ho’oponopono. I then took in the breath of Ha with clear intention and desire to bring my life into Lokahi (balance and harmony). I reactivated the essence of pure light that existed within me but was lost. I chose to learn how universal principles work in my life, it took discipline and a commitment to myself to truly transform my life. Aunty Donna is one of my greatest Kumu (teachers), my best friend and Hana’i mom. I am truly grateful for the gifts she shares with all who are willing to see and embrace the Ho’oponopono as a way of life.
“Those who grow together bloom together “
Ka’io Martin
Kaʻiulani has practiced hula under the instruction of Kumu Hula Kuʻualoha Kaulia and has been a lifelong advocate for Native Hawaiian culture and ʻāina-based (land-based) learning.
Kaʻiulani also serves as a member of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu exercising her civic engagement. Kaʻiulani enjoys sharing her time volunteering and advocates for her Maui community.
She believes that assisting the next generation in connecting with the ʻāina will provide economic benefit and will build strong and sustainable communities.
Aloha, I am Keala Kalauli.
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, my roots run deep in the land, language, and traditions of our ancestors. I was raised speaking ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and living the values of aloha, kuleana, and mālama. These teachings are not just part of my upbringing they are the foundation of who I am.
As an entrepreneur and community board member, I am passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Being part of this community allows me to live out that purpose to connect deeply, uplift one another, and return to the wisdom of our kūpuna.
To me, this is a way to heal, grow, and thrive together as we build strong, authentic relationships rooted in aloha. I believe in the power of community to transform lives and am committed to showing up fully, with heart, humility, and intention. Let’s continue to Mālama kekahi i kekahi.
Donna Vida, the author has released her first non-fiction book, ‘The Hoʻoponopono Way of Life: A Model for Awakening and Embracing the Human Soul’s True Identity. It is a key to unlocking the wisdom and treasures that exist in the inner spiritual realm that awaits connecting with you now! Featuring relatable stories and lessons, this self-improvement guide reveals the power in your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences and awakens your inner reservoir of true wealth. It is a “how-to” manual for healing, creating peace, balance, and harmony in oneself and the world. It teaches us how to embrace who we truly are, show up in the world, and pay it forward!
