Volunteer Spotlight: Maikaʻi Cadman – A Heart for Camp Imua, Rooted in Aloha

For Maikaʻi Cadman, volunteering with Imua Family Services isn’t just something he does — it’s part of who he is. Maikaʻi’s journey with Camp Imua began when he was just 10 years old, helping his father — the longtime head chef of Camp Imua — in the kitchen. From those early days peeling vegetables and soaking up the spirit of camp, Maikaʻi grew into a role that would shape his life in more ways than one.

By 14, he was a camp counselor, and today, at 27, Maikaʻi serves as Camp Imua’s Assistant Coordinator — a position where his leadership, heart, and experience shine. “One of my favorite parts is guiding the high school volunteers and helping them understand how to create an inclusive, fun atmosphere,” he says. Whether he’s organizing camp activities, gathering supplies, or mentoring the next generation of volunteers, Maikaʻi brings a strong sense of community to everything he does.

Born and raised in Makawao, Maikaʻi is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. He’s a proud graduate of Kula Kaiapuni, a Hawaiian immersion school, where he became fluent in the language and developed a strong connection to his heritage. These values carry into his work and life — especially on the 12-acre farm he now caretakes in Haʻikū. There, he grows produce for the local sushi spot Nuka, raises sheep and chickens, and uses his carpentry background to build everything from coops to greenhouses.

A lifelong outdoorsman and conservationist, Maikaʻi’s resume includes forest restoration projects, remote conservation work by helicopter, and building miles of fencing to protect native ecosystems. He’s also an avid outrigger canoe paddler and member of the Hawaiian Canoe Club, competing year-round across the Hawaiian Islands. When he’s not on the water, you’ll likely find him hiking Haleakalā or surfing at Ho’okipa.

Maikaʻi credits his family for instilling the values that guide him — especially his parents, who raised four boys with a spirit of adventure, generosity, and aloha. His dad’s career in school food services and his mom’s bed and breakfast business gave Maikaʻi a strong work ethic and great social skills — both of which serve him well at Camp Imua.

As part of the core leadership team, Maikaʻi is passionate about creating a space where kids with special needs can feel seen, supported, and celebrated. “Camp Imua gives these children a chance to belong and express themselves — it’s like being part of one big ʻohana,” he shares.

With heart, humility, and a deep love for his island home, Maikaʻi Cadman is more than a volunteer — he’s the embodiment of Imua’s mission in action.