Mālama Hulēʻia

Malama Hulēʻia (MH) is a dynamic and community-driven nonprofit organization, officially established as a 501c3 in 2015, following its inception as a demonstration project under the Kaiola Canoe Club of Niumalu, Lihue, Kauaʻi. Rooted in a shared passion for paddling and environmental conservation, a dedicated group of paddlers and concerned citizens formed MH with the ambitious goal of eliminating invasive mangrove from the Hulēʻia River, where they engage in canoe practices and races.

In a significant milestone in November 2021, MH assumed ownership and long-term stewardship of the Alakoko fishpond, placing it under preservation in perpetuity. This pivotal development prompted a strategic plan update, aligning the organization's mission to also encompass the management and nurturing of the Alakoko fishpond.

Central to their mission is their robust and culturally enriched education program, designed to engage and empower the community. Through interactive workshops, field trips, and outreach initiatives, we educate individuals of all ages about the importance of preserving our natural ecosystems using traditional Hawaiian wisdom. Their educational efforts extend beyond mangrove eradication and fishpond management, encompassing broader environmental topics that align with their commitment to sustainable practices deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian culture.