A NAVIGATIONAL TREASURE IS PROTECTED IN PERPETUITY!
A monumental land acquisition on the North Kohala Coast of Hawai’i island will forever protect the ancient navigational port of Mahukona and the 642 acres surrounding it. This land will now be restricted from development by a conservation easement held by the County of Hawaiʻi and owned for the community’s benefit by Hawaiʻi Land Trust.
The decade-long pursuit, in partnership with nonprofit Nā Kālai Wa’a, Federal, State, and County agencies, and the Kohala community, successfully closed on the property on December 11, 2023. Learn more in this brief video Big Island News – Mahukona Land On Hawaiʻi Island.
Hawai’i Land Trust will oversee the stewardship activities on the property, to include land restoration, and restoration of the existing train depot building and other structures. Nā Kālai Waʻa will steward the hundreds of ancient cultural sites that have been identified including four heiau (places of worship), agricultural and housing villages, shrines, burials, and ancient trails.
Home to Koʻa Holomoana, a navigational heiau that has been revered by navigators from all over the world, Mahukona is a historic training ground for traditional Hawaiian navigators. Nā Kālai Wa’a drydocks the traditional sailing canoe, Makali’i, on site and youth education programs for the next generation of navigators are already thriving.
The Kohala community, Hawai’i Land Trust, and other partners continue to plan for cultural uses and the reforestation of native plants in the area. To ensure the long term success for this treasured site, remaining funds are needed. We at Hawai’i Pacific Brokers are proud participants in this important community endeavor, and we invite you to join us by making a donation and/or volunteering your time.
The Mahukona project presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a difference for the people and land in Hawai’i.
