Native Hawaiians created land divisions called ahupua‘a to adeptly manage a finite amount of island resources which provided all that was needed for the subsistence of their island communities. Ahupua‘a were often defined by the boundaries of the watershed, from the mountain peak into the sea. This way of managing the land encouraged a strong sense of interdependence between the people and the natural resources. Use of land, water and economic, social and cultural choices flourished in balance. The 1,600 acre ahupuaʻa of Waipā, located on the north shore of Kauaʻi, is one of the few ahupua‘a in Hawai‘i that remain intact and undeveloped. Owned by the Kamehameha Schools, Waipā is managed by the Waipā Foundation, a community-based 501c3 nonprofit that evolved from an original community initiative which began in the 1980’s. We serve as a Native Hawaiian learning center and community center where all who visit can renew ties to the ‘āina (land and resources), and learn about traditional values and lifestyle through laulima (many hands working together). Waipā is a place for culturally relevant practices, teaching, and sharing while we learn again how to live in balance with our ‘āina; Restoring health and vibrance in the ahupua‘a and in ourselves too! As stewards of the ahupua'a, the Waipā Foundation is intently focused on its kuleana (responsibility) to establish and perpetuate a thriving ahupua'a as an example of healthy interdependent relationships between people and earth’s natural resources. Our core values guide our attitude and behavior in how we work, how we interact with others, and how we practice our philosophy of sustainability. These core values are:
Kūlia i ka Nu`u: Strive for excellence. Aloha `āina: Love the land and resources. Hiki Nō: Resourcefulness and a “can-do” attitude.
