Kāwala
Photo credit: Alec Freeman
Kawala
The acquisition of a conservation easement over 772 acres in Kawala ahupuaa in the moku of Kaʻū ensures continued protection of the surrounding landscape for agricultural and cultural preservation uses. With the support of the Freeman Foundation, Kuahiwi Ranch, and the Trust for Public Land, this conservation easement will preserve not only, the ancient trail systems and entwined cultural sites of Kau, but the abundant marine and terrestrial life that supports the ecological functions of this landscape.
“We are committed to working with Kuahiwi Ranch, the Kau community, and Kawala descendants to steward this wahi pana and perpetuate Kaus culture for generations to come.”
Kuahiwi Ranch, owned and operated by three generations of the Galimba ‘ohana (family), purchased 772-acres along the coast at Kāwala, near the town of Na‘alehu. Kuahiwi Ranch specializes in local, free-range, grass-fed beef, marketing about 450,000 lbs. of meat annually, which contributes to local food security and self-sufficiency. Keeping these lands in agriculture supports Ka‘ū’s local economy and Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy.
The Trust for Public Land assisted the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA) to purchase a conservation easement over the property that dedicates the land to agricultural and ranching purposes, and allows ATA to work with Kuahiwi Ranch to steward and protect numerous Native Hawaiian cultural sites on the property. The land is actively ranched, and public access is administered by ATA.