Papahana Kuaola, located in the ʻili ʻāina of Waipao, in the ahupuaʻa of Heʻeia, is an aloha ʻāina-based education organization connecting our past with a sustainable future. Our mission is to continually strive for kānaka, ‘āina and akua in balance. Our vision is to cultivate both land and people to nurture learning, relationships and lifestyles that enable all Hawai’i to thrive.
Papahana Kuaola is committed to creating a functional model of economic sustainability and environmental health grounded in Hawaiian knowledge as the primary means of decision-making, ensuring the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and native ecosystems. This commitment is carried out through the development and operation of multi-faceted educational programs that emphasize cultural sustainability, economic self-sufficiency, and a deep, respectful relationship to ʻāina. By engaging the community directly with the natural environment, Papahana Kuaola teaches environmental sustainability in ways that are accessible, meaningful, and impactful, helping to build a future that sustains both the land and the personal lives of those who care for it.
