Healers of the Moana

Empowering Pasifika Voices in Health & Biotech

Healers of the Moana is a community-centered Pasifika health initiative uplifting Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander voices in healthcare, biotech, clinical research, and healing practices. Through intergenerational talanoa, cultural knowledge-sharing, and evidence-based discussions.

Through storytelling, science, and community dialogue, Healers of the Moana reclaims the narrative surrounding medicine, clinical trials, biotechnology, and healthcare access for Pacific Islander communities.

A woman with long dark hair wearing a green leafy lei and a white flower necklace, standing on a black sand beach at sunset, looking out at the ocean with a rocky hill in the distance.

Our mission is to empower a future where Pasifika communities have equitable access to healthcare, culturally responsive research practices, and representation within the sciences. Healers of the Moana exists to amplify Pacific Islander voices, advocate for health justice, and build pathways for future generations to thrive. Together, we honor the wisdom of our ancestors while shaping a healthier future for the Moana.

Our Mission

PasifikaMed Talanoa Series

Rooted in talanoa, the PasifikaMed Talanoa Series creates space for Pasifika professionals, patients, and caregivers across the Moana and global communities to share knowledge, unpack data, and advance disease prevention through culturally grounded, community-led dialogue.

Talanoa is a relational practice of knowledge-sharing grounded in trust, reciprocity, and lived experience, where stories, data, and insight are exchanged to deepen collective understanding and care.

PasifikaMed Talanoa Series Advisory Council

Sidney Puni
Roberta “Becca” Taufailematagi Meafua
Abigail Utulaina Tilo-Tautala
Naomi Talo
Nalene Mesa

PASIFIKA HEALth Collective

The Pasifika Health Collective is a growing network of Pasifika students, researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, advocates, and community leaders advancing health equity through culturally grounded collaboration, mentorship, education, and advocacy.

Operating under the Healers of the Moana Initiative, the Collective strengthens connections across healthcare, public health, academia, biotech, and community spaces while creating pathways for Pasifika leadership in medicine and research.

Through community outreach, research engagement, prevention initiatives, mentorship, and educational programming, we uplift Pasifika voices and empower future generations to lead transformative change in healthcare and wellness.