What we do
Kūpāʻaikeʻe Hawaiian Carving Revitalization
Cultural revitalization is critical to our theory of change for our lāhui Hawaiʻi. Cultural revitalization is part of kūkulu: building the bridge to carry forward the knowledge and practices of our ancestors to our future generations. Our hui is currently in a 3-year apprenticeship with Masters Sam Kaʻai and Lyonel Grant.
Hanakēhau Learning Farm
At Koʻihonua, we believe that Keeping Hawaiian hands in Hawaiian Lands is essential to the recovery and revitalization of our communities. Our work takes place at our land base in Waiawa makai, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi where we are working to restore a four-acre parcel of ʻāina to create a space to grow food, support cultural practice, and grow people. We are reestablishing lo`i kalo, clearing land for mala, planting native and non-native food and other cultural use plants.
Hanakēhau Learning Farm is named for the historic place name of our ‘ili ‘āina. Hanakēhau is located within the moku of ‘Ewa and the ahupua’a of Waiawa, situated between the adjacent ahupua’a of Waipi’o and Manana. Hanakēhau is the home base for Ko’ihonua and serves as our kahua, our land base and foundation for the work we do.
Social Justice Advocacy & Training
Social Justice Advocacy is a key part of Koʻihonua and serves as a way of furthering our values. Our vision for Ko’ihonua revolves around self-determination as it is expressed in all aspects of our lives. HULI (Hawaii Unity and Liberation Institute) focuses on empowering our community by providing training in social justice organizing and non-violent direct action. We move with patience and accept that self-determination takes time, diligence, and vigilant attention.
