ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia 

No task is too big when done together by all. 

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau, 142

Laulima Navy is an ongoing initiative launched on the Navy’s 249^th birthday on Oct. 13, 2024, to reinforce the Navy’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to Hawaii. Laulima is a Hawaiian value that means “many hands working together.”

Many consider it a privilege to call Hawaii home and seek every opportunity to show how much they treasure this place. Our collective gratitude was highlighted in the countdown to the Navy’s 250^th birthday in 2025.  

Over the course of last year, we spotlighted 250 ways that Navy commands and components on the islands of Oahu and Kauai protect and care for the community, the people and the land.

Many of our Navy family are already involved with volunteering and supporting community initiatives, and we showcased these efforts while shining a light on the groups and non-profit organizations that care for the community and its residents. Some of these voluntary acts of service were one-time special events, while others were part of an ongoing partnership that a command or an individual had with a community group. We reached our goal ahead of schedule, spotlighting 292 acts of volunteerism performed by Sailors and civilians, who often worked alongside community members.

As we head into the second year of Laulima Navy, we encourage everyone to continue their volunteerism. Examples of community service are as diverse as each of us and can range from participating in cleanups of bike paths and beaches to giving blood, tutoring at a school, contributing to food drives, and being involved in cultural service volunteering.  The focus is helping and strengthening the community.

Our commitment to the community continues well beyond our 250th anniversary.  It’s an enduring promise that is part of our mission.