Harriet “Haku” D. Baldwin
Aug. 21, 1913 - Oct. 28, 2003

Throughout history, we have worked toward a single purpose: providing a safe and supportive place for people and animals to interact, and promoting joy and healing for those in need. This was our founder Harriet “Haku” Baldwin’s vision.

The first therapeutic riding sessions were conducted back in 1973 by Haku herself on our grounds in Makawao. Almost 20 years later, the Maui Animal Aloha Center (MAAC) was founded as a non-profit organization, giving the therapeutic riding program a permanent home. The curriculum was expanded to include various animal-assisted programs for people of all ages. After Haku’s passing, the MAAC was renamed in her honor as the Haku Baldwin Center.

Today, our equine-focused programs are dedicated to youth with a range of support needs and military service members, including active duty, disabled, and retired veterans. We feel Haku’s presence with us as we continue her vision of facilitating joy and healing through horses.

“Many years ago, I was inspired to start a Therapeutic Riding Program when I saw how much joy being on a horse brought a young disabled acquaintance of mine. It was from his insistence, enthusiasm and desire to ride, that I saw how much an opportunity to ride horses could mean to children like him. I hoped someday to be able to share this experience with other children.

… So, I would like to thank you for all of your support in making this dream a reality and for inspiring so many to continue to dream!”

— Harriet “Haku” D. Baldwin, President
Published in the MAAC Newsletter, Summer 2001