Na Pāhana - The Work

Aloha ʻĀina days are set for 2026!  Contact the Association to find out where to meet.  Click HERE to learn more about what we do. All are welcome!

2026 Aloha ʻĀina Days are: 

August 16

October 11

December 6

New ahupuaʻa signs have been installed for Makahanaloa, Kulaʻimano, Kahua, Kaupakuea/ Makea, Kulaʻikahonu, and Kaʻakepa! These signs recognize and uplift the inoa kūpuna (ancestral names) of our ʻāina.

 We hope to get more signs installed in the near future. Ola nā inoa! E ola ka ʻāina! For more information on how to get signage for your ahupuaʻa, click HERE!

In 2024, MFA nominated 80 acres of land surrounding Kawainui stream for purchase through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission process or PONC. On January 15th, 2026, Kawainui was purchased by the County of Hawaii in perpetuity!!! Makahanaloa hopes to steward this ʻāina for the benefit of the community. Kawainui was the first Hilo property purchased through PONC funds.  Read more at about this historic effort at this article by Civil Beat

Makahanaloa has been documenting the stories of old timers that grew up fishing and gathering along the shoreline. This work is possible through the Hawaiʻi Peopleʻs Fund with support from the Olohana Foundation as well as contigency funding for our amazing media intern Bethany Okamoto. 

The Association has received a Grant in aid from the State of Hawaii. This grant will help Makahanaloa to secure equipment for maintenance of the shoreline.  We have already put it to good use. Check out our newest addition to the membership. Mahalo Steveʻs Honda!

The Makahanaloa Fishing Association has hosted a few student groups along the shoreline, including the Kamehameha Schools, HPA school, the United Nations Youth Assembly, and Piliina ʻĀina's Ka Papahana Kauwela ʻo Hilo Palikū. These groups hear stories of the place, learn about the challenges the community is facing and help to Aloha ʻĀina!