Mission

Our mission is to protect, perpetuate, and enhance the cultural and natural landscape of the Kīholo Bay area through collaborative management and active community stewardship.

Vision

Kīholo Bay is perpetuated as a culturally and environmentally thriving part of the ahupua‘a system of Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a. Through partnerships, a commitment to the values set forth by the hui, and the creation of a cultural and wilderness park at Kīholo Bay, we will achieve proper management of the area.

How we work

CURATORSHIP

Kīholo State Park Reserve is jointly managed by the Division of State Parks and Hui Aloha Kīholo as part of a curatorship agreement. Under this agreement, Hui acts as a steward of Kīholo by partnering with stakeholders to provide on-the-ground presence, maintenance, camping facilitation, community engagement and education, as well as natural and cultural resources protection. Hui Aloha Kīholo receives no funding from the State of Hawaiʻi for services provided at Kīholo. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all of Hui Aloha Kīholo’s funding comes from private donations, fundraising activities, and grants. Please consider giving to support Kīholo.

HOA ʻĀINA TEAM

Hui Aloha Kīholo now has a physical presence on the ground, seven days a week, through our Hoa ʻĀina team. In collaboration with our partners, these Hoa ʻĀina, or “friends of the land” monitor and protect natural and cultural resources, engage with and educate visitors, maintain the reserve, and manage camping. By creating a community of stewards, with visitors, kamaʻāina (locals), partners, and advocates, Kīholo can continue to thrive culturally and environmentally. Mahalo (thank you) to the generous donors who have made the Hoa ʻAina program possible.

Where we work

Kīholo is located in the “Kekaha wai ʻole o nā Kona” (Waterless Kekaha region) of North Kona, which is part of the reason why Kīholo was and is so important to the residents. Kīholo played a crucial role in connecting people and landscapes because of her abundance of water (fishponds, anchialine ponds and water systems). Situated in the North Kona region of the Island of Hawaiʻi, Kīholo Bay comprises the makai (coastal) area of the ahupua‘a (land division) of Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a.

Kīholo Bay is nested within the greater Kīholo State Park Reserve. The area contains an extensive coastal wildland environment, historic home sites, swimming areas, anchialine ponds, and historic coastal trails with associated archaeological features. These elements are noteworthy for their uniqueness, beauty, and value to both Hawaii residents and island visitors. Kīholo Bay connects ecologically, historically, and culturally to the mauka (upland) areas of Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a.