our story

Kanaaho Kahulimanu is a Native Hawaiian-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in ʻĀhuimanu, Kahaluʻu, Oʻahu, and dedicated to the stewardship of the historic Kahaluʻu Loʻi.

What started as a community-led effort through Kaiāulu ʻo Kahaluʻu has grown into a focused stewardship effort to mālama Kahaluʻu Loʻi. Through years of hands-on work alongside community members, families, volunteers, and partners, a shared commitment to caring for this special place took root.

Kanaaho Kahulimanu was established to carry this kuleana forward and provide a foundation for the long-term care of Kahaluʻu Loʻi—grounded in our relationship to ʻāina, community, and the generations who came before us

Rooted in kuleana

Mission

To restore the Kahalu’u Lo’i through Indigenous stewardship practices, place-based education, and cultivating community relationships with ‘āina while protecting itʻs biocultural resources.

vision

A resilient agro-ecological sanctuary in the ‘ili of ‘Āhuimanu where human and natural communities thrive.

community Led

What started as a community lead effort through Kaiāulu 'o Kahalu'u has grown into a focused stewardship effort to mālama the Kahalu'u Lo'i.

Kahalu’u lo’i

history

Pre-contact

The Kahalu'u Lo'i has a rich history dating back to western pre-contact and fuctioned as a flourishing agricultural complex.

National Register

The Kahalu'u Lo'i was placed on the national register of historic places in 1973.

community effort

Since 2021, community members have lead efforts to protect and steward a place rich in history and culture.

Programs

  • Mālama 'āina

    Restoration through Indigenous Stewardship

  • 'Āina Education

    Place-based education programs

  • Kūkulu kaiāulu

    Cultivating Community Relationships with ‘Āina

  • 'Imi Na'auao

    Co-Developed Research