About Us
Who are we?
Kahaluʻu Kūāhewa is a community-based organization located in the ahupuaʻa of Kahaluʻu ma uka. Kūāhewa translates to "vast" or "huge", and is a term referenced by the people, who farmed the great māla of Kamehameha I. It was said that his agricultural lands were named Kūāhewa because upon gazing at the field, the eyes would gaze until it can see no more and the borders could not be distinguished. Although the specific location of Kūāhewa is unclear, we have discovered through researching ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi resources that the name Kūāhewa is tied to agricultural lands from Kailua Kona, to Kahaluʻu, Keauhou and even as far as Kaināliu, Kona. Kahaluʻu Kūāhewa is the largest remaining portion of the traditional "Kona Field System" bordered by coffee plantations on three sides and the Kahaluʻu Forest ma uka. Located within the apaʻa agricultural zone, there are many opportunities for an abundant and diverse agricultural system.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Revitalization of the wahi kūpuna Kahaluʻu Field Systems as a traditional Hawaiian agricultural landscape, and reconnecting kānaka to ʻāina.
Through indigenous grassroots initiatives and sustainable restorative agricultural practices, we work to perpetuate ancestral knowledge reconnecting kānaka to ʻāina. By providing ʻāina/placed based learning experiences, we offer a space and opportunity within our community to learn traditional Hawaiian knowledge and practices, and support the efforts to influence more local food productions, and maintain unique biodiversity within our island systems.
Pilina
Creating a reciprocal relationship as stewards of this Wahi kūpuna and creating space spaces for our community
Our Values
Mālama/
Aloha ʻĀina
Taking care of and love for the land which feeds and sustains us
Laulima
Many hands working together
Creating a place of refuge, sanctuary, asylum, place of peace and safety
Puʻuhonua
Kuleana a Wahi Kūpuna
