We Are Oceania: Empowering Pacific Islander Communities in Hawaiʻi
We Are Oceania (WAO) is dedicated to addressing the disproportionate health challenges faced by Pacific Islanders in Hawaiʻi, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite representing only 4% of the state's population, Pacific Islanders accounted for up to 20% of infections at certain times. Through community-centered strategies and strong partnerships, WAO worked to improve vaccination uptake and deliver better health outcomes.
Why the We Are Oceania (WAO) Initiative Matters
WAO’s initiative played a vital role in supporting Pacific Islander communities during the pandemic. Through culturally grounded strategies and trusted community engagement, WAO helped improve vaccination rates, reduce health disparities, and build long-term resilience.
Improved Vaccination Outcomes
WAO’s outreach efforts significantly boosted COVID-19 vaccination rates among Pacific Islanders, addressing previous disparities in healthcare access.
Trusted Community Connections
The initiative empowered local leaders to engage their communities, creating culturally relevant pathways for public health education and trust-building.
Cultural Alignment & Respect
WAO prioritized solutions that honored Pacific Islander traditions and values, ensuring that strategies were meaningful and well-received.
Improving Health Outcomes in Pacific Islander Communities
Through its culturally rooted approach, WAO achieved measurable improvements in COVID-19 vaccination rates among Pacific Islanders. These outcomes reflect the strength of local partnerships and WAO’s ability to deliver solutions that work.
Disproportionate Impact
Pacific Islanders made up 20% of COVID-19 cases despite being just 4% of Hawaiʻi’s total population.
Boosted Vaccine Rates
WAO's outreach helped raise COVID-19 vaccination rates among Pacific Islanders above state averages.
Community Trust Built
Engaging local leaders fostered lasting trust and encouraged better public health participation.
Community Voices Impact in Action
Watch how WAO’s efforts transformed lives during the pandemic. This video highlights the voices of community members, local leaders, and health professionals who contributed to the success of WAO’s culturally grounded strategies.
Collaborating for Greater Community Impact
WAO partnered with faith-based organizations, health clinics, and grassroots leaders to expand its culturally grounded outreach. These partnerships were key to delivering trusted, impactful solutions across Pacific Islander communities.
Faith-Based Outreach
Community Health Clinics
Local Leadership Engagement
Grassroots Coordination
