COMING TOGETHER THROUGH HANDS-ON PROJECTS
Members work together, sharing interests and skills, helping the community, and learning new things.
Community Projects
We service the Honolulu community through projects for local non-profit organizations, such as, schools, libraries, community centers, museums and churches. Members get to challenge their design and building skills, work in teams, build camaraderie, increase their social engagement and add meaningful activities to their lives.
Woodworking
Many members come to the shed to build something out of wood. We have a well-equipped wood shop with many tools available for use by our members. We offer training courses for those who would like to learn a new skill, including digital woodworking, box making, ukulele making, and bowl turning, as well as informal “this is how it can be done” member-to-member trainings.
Bicycle Re-cycling
We recondition abandoned and unwanted bicycles. Individuals donate bikes, as do condos to clean out their bike rooms, which we transform into excellent condition. Some of the re-cycled bikes are given to the needy for their transportation needs, the rest are sold to help cover the expenses of running the Shed. Also, by re-cycling the bikes, we reduce the number going to land-fills.
WE ARE MORE THAN A WORKSHOP
We are a community built around people. Our workshops and tools give kūpuna a reason to come together, but the real purpose is to stay active and engaged. Beyond working with wood and on bicycles, members socialize through informal and organized activities. While primarily for senior men and women, given the well recognized benefits of intergenerational interactions, we welcome adults of all ages–our younger members are all “aspiring kūpuna.”
SIZZLES
Our monthly, second-Saturday sizzles bring together members and family and friends for food, conversation, fun, and live music from the Silver Tones band. Most of the band members are also Kūpuna Shed members. Following the sizzle is a personal enrichment presentation on issues of concern to seniors, from health management and financial planning to artificial intelligence and protecting yourself online.
SALES EVENTS
Members work together to feature and sale their hand-crafted items at various venues, including the annual Honolulu Mayor’s Craft & Country Fair, Honolulu Night Markets in Kakaʻako, the Hawaiʻi Wood Show, and holiday markets at Downtown Arts Center. All proceeds go to the Kūpuna Shed to support its expenses. In addition to highlighting the craftsmanship of our members, the planning for and staffing of the events build camaraderie and are fun.
WHY WHAT WE DO MATTERS
Connecting: Working alongside others builds friendships and a sense of belonging. Creating: Making things with our hands keeps one active, engaged and learning. Contributing: Giving back to one’s community adds purpose to life. By providing opportunities for all of these, the Kūpuna Shed contributes to the healthy aging of its members.