Our Story

In 2009, Native Hawaiian practitioners were invited by the leasee to become informal caretakers of a portion of Kawainui. Formally known as the Cash Ranch for many years, an integral part of Kailua lifestyle now days past, the land fell into disrepair and neglect. The leasee wanted to see the land alive again and through a chance meeting at an annual Puʻu Koholā gathering, the leasee declared he would like to see the old ranch be available for kanaka maoli practitioners and not simply turned over into a development disenfranchising the native culture. The collective idea and aspiration rang forth for the land, two 'ili known by the names Palalupe and Pohakea. The land was far from a serene space but a vision could be seen through the weeds and the overgrowth and the practitioners felt a calling to rejuvenate the land. In doing so, the ultimate vision for the land was experienced, to create a space of healing, a place that would welcome and support Native Hawaiian practitioners and also a place where our community could learn about the land, the 'āina.

Invasive weeds and massive overgrowth hid decades of forgotten trash, debris, cars, carpet, metal waste and so much more. The overall neglect left Palalupe and Pōhakea in a state of devastation and in need of healing.  The guiding principles of healing and health set the kahua or foundation, of Ke Kahua O Kūaliʻi.

Many years, many hands, and deep gratitude for our volunteers because with their help and support Palalupe and Pōhakea have transformed into a place for practitioners, families, and children. Palalupe and Pohakea now reflect a place of wellness and a place of aloha where one can be inspired within its presence.

A Vision and Mission

Ke Kahua O Kūaliʻi is a  501(c)(3), non-profit organization with an agreement with State Parks overseeing Pōhakea and Palalupe, two 'ili along Kawainui for public use. Kawainui is a community resource and Pōhakea and Palalupe is a place to learn about Hawaiʻi and our beloved Hawaiian culture, a place where the land inspires us to increase cultural and environmental wellness. The cornerstone of Ke Kahua O Kūaliʻi is aloha ʻāina that honors and perpetuates the cultural knowledge, work, and lifestyle of Hawaiʻi.  The corner stone of aloha ʻāina encompasses our two guiding principles hoʻoʻulu lāhui, to help our community grow and and hana pono, to accomplish good work with great integrity.