Guided by Community.
Rooted in Hawaiʻi.
Focused on Opportunity.

Nahiku Foundation was created to help people in Hawaiʻi access education, skills, and support systems that strengthen families and communities.

Our Mission & Vision

The Nahiku Foundation envisions a thriving Hawaiʻi where every individual has access to education, skills, and resources needed to reach their full potential while giving back to and strengthening our local communities.

Nahiku Meaning: In Hawaiian, Nāhiku means “the seven” and refers to the Big Dipper constellation (or the Seven Sisters), which has seven prominent stars. The seven stars of the Big Dipper served as an important guide for ancient Polynesian voyagers navigating the Pacific Ocean.

Foundation Name: The name Nahiku was chosen as our interpretation of the word, reflecting unity and guidance. To us, Nahiku means working together, guided by the seven stars of the Big Dipper, to navigate toward a brighter, better future for our community.

Slogan: “Navigating Together Toward a Brighter Future”

Our Name Carries a Legacy of Navigation & Connection

In Hawaiian tradition, Nahiku refers to the seven stars of the Big Dipper. These stars helped navigators find their direction across vast oceans. For us, Nahiku symbolizes:

Guidance – being a steady resource for individuals and families
Mentorship – experienced voices helping others move forward
Community – the idea that progress happens when we navigate together
Hope – the North Star that reminds us the future can be brighter

Nahiku Foundation honors this cultural knowledge by supporting people as they chart new pathways toward stability, opportunity, and contribution.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Nahiku Foundation operates as a Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit organization with bylaws that protect the integrity of our work and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.

We follow nonprofit best practices in:

Board governance
Financial oversight
Conflict-of-interest compliance
Annual reporting
Program evaluation and continuous improvement

Our Leadership

Stratton Wright, Co-Founder

Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Stratton Wright brings deep local roots and a passion for community to his role as one of the Founders of The Nahiku Foundation. A proud Maryknoll School graduate and devoted father to his daughter, Tori, Stratton’s entrepreneurial path began with his clothing brand, “Paradise Drive,” which later expanded into organizing social events, all while working in his main career field, construction project management and inspections.

His drive for innovation ultimately led him to establish Paradise Inspections, where he now serves as Founder and President of a rapidly growing residential and commercial inspection company that is transforming the condominium and townhome association landscape. Recognized as one of the most accredited professionals in his field, he leads numerous educational seminars for property managers, insurance companies, and association board members across Hawai‘i. Stratton’s depth of expertise, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to service continue to elevate both his industry and the communities he serves.

Sean Kelley, Program Coordinator

Sean Kelley brings a strong sense of local pride and community to his work, shaped by both his academic background and hands-on experience in the field. A graduate of Campbell High School, Sean went on to attend the University of Hawaiʻi, where he studied Civil Engineering and Pacific Island Studies, building a foundation that blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of the communities he serves.

Sean’s professional journey began in retail and the events industry, where he developed a strong customer-first mindset and a genuine appreciation for building lasting client relationships. He later transitioned to public-sector work as a Civil Engineer Support Technician for the City, specializing in wastewater treatment and sewer maintenance. In this role, he gained valuable, hands-on experience with critical infrastructure systems that directly impact Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Today, Sean is known for his well-rounded skill set, combining technical knowledge, practical field experience, and a strong commitment to service. His attention to detail, reliability, and work ethic continue to define his approach across every project he takes on. Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and staying active through regular exercise.