Building pilina one stone at a time
Our Story
In 2009, Native Hawaiian practitioners were invited to become informal caretakers of a portion of Kawainui. Formally known as the Cash Ranch for many years, the ranch was an integral part of Kailua living. With changes in the local economy, ranching eventually ceased and the land fell into disrepair and neglect. Decades passed and the mauka area surrounding Kawainui became known as "dump road." In 2014, a group of local residents and practitioners saw the importance of challenging negative narratives that plague Kawainui and sought stewardship of Pōhakea and Palalupe with State Parks.
Through the weeds, abandoned vehicles, discarded industrial equipment, and dense overgrowth of invasive plants, it was critical to restore the land. Pōhakea and Palalupe transformed from degradation to rejuvenation with care and persistence. The area represents connections and healing from the many hands of thousands of volunteers. Pōhakea and Palalupe is a community place built on relationships between people and the land. Ke Kahua O Kūaliʻi is a space generating hoaʻāina leadership through Pōhakea and Palalupe stewardship.
The guiding principles of healing, aloha and mālama ʻāina builds the pilina that sets the foundation of Ke Kahua O Kūaliʻi.
Building pilina one stone at a time