A Mission and a Vision

The mission of Kekahua O Kūaliʻi is to inspire cultural and environment wellness through stewardship practices for Palalupe and Pōhakea at Kawainui fishpond. At Ke Kahua O Kualiʻi, we envision a sustainable Kauhale that fosters traditional land management practices and supports cultural practices for the well-being of community members and Kawainui—a traditional Hawaiian fishpond in the heart of Kailua, Oʻahu.

---

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 made available to kanaka maoli and not simply turned over into a development disenfranchising native culture. The collective idea and aspiration rang forth for the land, two 'ili known by the names Palalupe and Pōhakea. 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 'āina (land), and our beautiful host culture.

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 Pōhakea now reflect a place of wellness and a place of aloha where one can be inspired within its presence.