Open to all Hawai‘i residents aged 60 or older, the 3rd Annual Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee is a fun, rewarding, and challenging event that encourages older adults to stay mentally sharp by learning and practicing the use and spelling of words and to help strengthen memory. Research shows that those who view themselves as “lifelong learners'' often have a cognitive edge.

A preliminary contest for Big Island residents is being coordinated on Saturday, September 14, 2024, by the Kiwanis Club of East Hawaii. The top three winners from that preliminary contest, will be provided a complimentary round trip to Honolulu, courtesy of Presenting Sponsor Hawaiian Airlines, to compete in the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee Competition at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10am.

The October 26th event on Oahu is open to all Hawaii residents, aged 60 or older, statewide. Unlike previous years, winning a preliminary spelling bee contest is not a prerequisite to compete in the statewide competition. The top three statewide winners will receive $2000, $1000, and $500 cash prizes, respectively. The 1st place winner will also receive two complimentary roundtrip tickets to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.

We invite you to be a sponsor of this statewide event!  As a leader in our community, your involvement and support for the older residents in our island state is an opportunity for your organization to receive positive exposure and to join other individuals, organizations, and coalitions in our community to support the Alzheimer’s Association in achieving its goals. Community sponsors are the primary source of the prizes for this statewide competition and will help ensure its success.