University of Hawaiʻi
Community Garden
2026 - current
Background: A recent study of the health needs of Koreans living in Hawai’i, conducted by researchers at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UHM), identified urgent social and health-related needs across the lifespan, including a lack of social engagement opportunities, a lack of intergenerational
activities, loneliness, and social isolation. While these needs were identified across the lifespan, older adults were highlighted as a priority group due to heightened risks of social isolation, mobility limitations, and shrinking social networks. There is a broad-based consensus among community leaders and health care providers who work closely with Koreans that a program that
can address these important needs is urgently needed. This proposed research explores the use of an age-friendly garden to alleviate loneliness and build social connections among older Korean adults. The proposed research will serve as a pilot study to inform future lifespan-oriented work
within the Korean community. In addition to me, a team of faculty members from the University of Hawaiʻi Korean Health Research Hui will collaborate on this project.
Contact:
JOIN US: Hoʻōla ʻĀina Pilipili Community Garden- Korean Day (MAY 2, 2026)
What You’ll Do:
Assist Korean senior participants with activities (e.g., planting seeds, drawing)
Help with event setup & cleanup
Event Details
Date: May 2 (Sat)
Time: 9:00 AM - 12 PM.
Location: Ho‘ōla ‘Āina Pilipil - 1776 University Ave., Honolulu, HI
Opportunity to learn about the Ho‘ōla ‘Āina Pilipil, a part of the Mauli Ola Initiative at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education centering ʻāina-based learning and healing,
Opportunity to learn about and get involved in research activities of the UH Korean Health Research Hui.
Learn about community service and engagement activities to support Korean community in Hawaii.
Contact
If you’re interested in being a volunteer, please email by April 24: chaerins@hawaii.edu