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What is Flow Fest?

 

Flow Fest is Hawai‘i’s largest teen health and wellness event, created by Rebuild Maui Org in response to the devastating mental health crisis affecting the youth of our island—especially in the aftermath of the 2023 Maui wildfires. Designed as an immersive, red-carpet experience, Flow Fest creates a safe, celebratory space where teenagers can have fun, feel seen and supported, and most importantly, connect with life-changing resources in a way that’s approachable and meaningful.

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From the outside, Flow Fest looks like a glamorous high school dance. But at its heart, it is a deeply strategic initiative that addresses critical youth issues such as:

• Mental health access and education

• Substance use prevention and resilience-building

• Cultural reconnection and identity pride

• Social media awareness and its impact on mental well-being

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It’s a powerful event that offers teens an opportunity to build positive relationships, learn about their own mental health, and discover the resources available to help them navigate life’s challenges.

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Why Flow Fest Matters

• Mental Health Crisis in Hawai‘i Teens:
  Suicide is the leading cause of death for teens in Hawai‘i. Many of our young people don’t access mental health services because of stigma, lack of awareness, or fear. Flow Fest meets teens where they are—with a non-clinical, high-energy environment that removes barriers and fosters organic interactions with trained professionals.

• Positive Association with Mental Health:
  We are working to reframe mental health as something proactive and life-enhancing—not just a last resort when things fall apart. Flow Fest helps teens associate mental health support with something positive, empowering, and even fun.

• Playfulness Without Substances:
  By incorporating massive games, contests, and team challenges, Flow Fest shows teens they can have fun, connect with peers, and express themselves without relying on drugs or alcohol.

• Cultural and Social Connection:
  Cultural performances, a full luau, and recognition of diverse heritages help local teens reconnect with identity and community pride—key pillars of resilience and belonging.

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What Happens at Flow Fest?

• Red carpet and valet parking

• Professional photographers and glam stations

• Live DJ and packed dance floor

• Full buffet dinner catered by a top-tier resort

• Luau with fire-knife dancing and cultural showcases

• Carnival-style inflatable games and dodgeball competitions

• Raffle giveaways including headphones, gift cards, and more

• Resource booths staffed by local health and wellness providers

• Quiet room for decompressing (new this year)

• Organic, non-clinical conversations between youth and providers

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Who’s Participating in 2025?

We are thrilled to welcome the following organizations and providers, each of whom plays a critical role in supporting Maui’s youth:

• Maui Behavioral Health Resources

• Maui Youth and Family Services

• Aloha House

• Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO)

• Hawaii Dept of Health

• Good360

• YMCA of Maui

• Teen Line Hawai‘i

• Mental Health America of Hawai‘i

• Maui Hero Project

• Maui Teen Apprenticeship Program

• PIHA Wellness & Healing

• Alateen / Teen AA

• Hawai‘i Behavioral Health Connection (HiBHC)

• Rebuild Maui Org

• …and several more pending confirmation.

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The Impact

In 2024, we welcomed over 600 teenagers from every high school on Maui. In 2025, we’re expecting over 1,000 youth—including students from Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. Flow Fest is currently the largest youth mental health and wellness event in the State of Hawai‘i, and potentially one of the largest of its kind in the nation.

By participating, organizations demonstrate their shared belief that mental health support must be accessible, destigmatized, and youth-centered.

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Our Mission

Flow Fest exists to celebrate our youth, to love them without condition, and to make sure every teenager knows this simple truth:
You matter. You are loved. And help is always within reach.

Let me know if you'd like this adapted into a formal PDF deck, press release, or grant narrative.