Keiki Heroes is a Hawaii STEM Community Care project that encourages our keiki (children) to adopt healthy habits, to recognize signs and symptoms of illness, and to inform an adult when they are feeling ill. We emphasize that keiki can be heroes by helping to protect those who care for them. Based on values of kindness and compassion, the program aims to reduce the stigma of a COVID-19 diagnosis by reframing the narrative. Keiki Heroes provides information on COVID-19, encourages healthy habits and reduces the stigma associated with the illness.

Our Heroes – Kai and Hōkū
The Keiki Heroes program shares messages through two adorable mascots – Kai and Hōkū – who model positive behaviors like hand-washing, proper mask-wearing, knowing symptoms and physical distancing.
These adorable characters were created by Yuko Green, a Hawaii Children’s book author and illustrator, and Gum Design.
Keiki Heroes Pledge
The Keiki Heroes Pledge is designed to empower children to stay safe during the current pandemic. There are many things about this crisis that are beyond our control and keiki can feel especially confused and powerless at this time. We are encouraging a positive mindset and reinforcing healthy behaviors in our keiki with this program. These empower our keiki to stay healthy and encourage those around them to do the same. Our keiki can be heroes – they can play an important part in keeping our community healthy.

Download Keiki Hero Resources
Our mascots – Kai and Hōkū – adorn posters, flyers, and coloring sheets that communicate various healthy habits. These are being distributed to elementary schools and libraries, and posted in select public locations. Our posters, flyers, and coloring sheets are available for download in our shop.