Waihunahuna Foundation

Caring for land & water on the banks of Kalihiwai Reservoir.

Waihunahuna is the Hawaiian place-name for the gently sloping land encompassing what is now known as the Kalihiwai Reservoir on the north shore of Kaua’i, Hawai’i. Wai refers to fresh water, and huna refers to secrets or magic. This ancient name alludes to the unique character of this beautiful place. Unfortunately, she has also been subject to abuse: from wholesale clearing of valuable sandalwood hundreds of years ago, to plantation era sugarcane cultivation, to clearing and overgrazing by cattle. This place has endured many years without rightful advocacy for its protection. Waihunahunua Foundation was founded in 2022 as a land stewardship organization dedicated to revitalizing this land in service to the beauty that exists here. 

Our vision is to implement a combination of ancient and modern land stewardship techniques, drawing inspiration from the traditional models of land care practiced in Hawai’i while incorporating innovative approaches. We are committed to replanting native forests, establishing freshwater pond systems, creating healthy forest gardens, and raising animals sustainably. Through these efforts, we aim to restore the land's ecological balance, promote biodiversity, and demonstrate accessible ways for people to live in harmony with nature.

Central to our vision is community building through education. We are growing to be able to offer a range of educational programs, from earth-based education for children to agroforestry workshops for adults. Through our restoration projects, we invite the community to engage in a reciprocal relationship with the land, recognizing that by caring for the land, we also care for ourselves and future generations.

5A. KI
TI
Cordyline fruticosa

6A. NĀNŪ
HAWAIIAN GARDENIA
Gardenia brighamii

  • We created Waihunahuna Foundation to care for this place, out of gratitude for being able to steward this land and with a natural desire to give in return. Reciprocity and respect guide our relationship to Waihunahuna— asking permission, harvesting what is needed, and giving back.

  • The Kalihiwai River watershed is a relatively short journey from its headwaters at Wai’ale’ale to the Pacific Ocean, at Kalihiwai Bay. Mauka to makai, from the mountains to the sea, we seek to borrow what is needed and pass along the water in better condition than we received it, for the benefit of all life downstream.

  • Through eating, we experience a direct relationship with the ‘aina. At Waihunahuna, we are implementing both ancient and new regenerative agriculture techniques to grow a diverse array of nourishing food. By growing our own, we become a more resilient community.

  • From native plant identification, to plant dye & biochar workshops, education is at the core of our mission. This place is one for the passing on of ‘aina ike, land knowledge, as well as tradition, culture & story.

  • The strands of community weave together when we gather for a common cause. “Laulima,” many hands working together. In caring for this place, we come together.

Our values.