Recap from keahua event

Moʻolelo and Mālama ʻĀina at Keahua Arboretum

November 2, 2025

Despite rainy weather, 20 committed volunteers gathered at Keahua Arboretum for a morning of cultural learning and hands-on stewardship. I Ola Wailuanui President Pualiʻi Rossi began the day with grounding and shared moʻolelo about Keahua's inoa and its history as an adze-making site. Attendees then engaged in mālama ʻāina work, including weed whacking, clearing invasive species, and planting native plants. After pau hana, the group shared food, and Sarah Farola led a discussion on water management and its importance to our island community.

Days like this remind us why this work matters. When we gather to care for the land, we're not just pulling weeds or planting natives—we're nurturing the connections that sustain us all. We're honoring the stories of those who came before, strengthening the bonds within our community, and ensuring that future generations inherit an ʻāina that thrives. This is the heart of mālama ʻāina: understanding that when we care for the land, we care for each other.

This event embodies I Ola Wailuanui's mission to preserve, protect, and restore Wailuanuiahoʻāno and its environmental, historical, and cultural treasures. As a community-based organization formed and managed by Kauaʻi residents, we know that the health of our place depends on all of us working together. Mahalo to all our volunteers for their dedication to caring for our ʻāina, rain or shine. Mahalo nui to our event sponsors, Kamehameha Schools kaiāulu and the County of Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development. We also want to thank the Department of Land and Natural Resources Forestry and Wildlife Division for their partnership on this event!