Mahalo Nui for an Incredible Day at Alakoko!
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, more than 500 hands and hearts came together for Pōhaku Ka Pāpale, lifting, passing, and setting pōhaku to rebuild the historic 2,700-foot kuapā of Alakoko Loko i‘a. Together, our community restored an 800 foot section of wall, marking another powerful moment in the ongoing care of this this living fishpond and the Hulē‘ia watershed.
Throughout the day, the spirit of aloha ʻāina could be felt in every detail, from the rhythm of stones passed along the wall to the laughter and music that filled the ʻāina and the quiet focus of hands at work. Volunteers enjoyed ‘ono food by Nā Maka Onaona, frozen drinks from Kaua‘i Concessions, and screen printing hosted by Nā Pua Noʻeau Kaua‘i. Ewa Limu Project and Waimānalo Limu Hui created a space for participants of all ages to learn and connect through limu and art, celebrating the culture that grounds this work.
As the hana came to a close, kumu hula Sabra Kauka, Mauliola Cook, Kaeo Olores Bradford, and Leihi‘ilani Kirkpatrick offered the traditional oli Au A Iā, followed by a blessing of gratitude and reflection. Their voices carried across the pond, grounding the day in ancestral guidance and shared responsibility for this wahi kūpuna.
A Historic Movement, Rooted in Community
More than 60 years of invasive mangrove and storm damage left portions of the kuapā unstable and breached. Seven years ago, Mālama Hulē‘ia began the long, steady work of restoring Alakoko—removing invasive species, stabilizing the wall, and re-establishing the pond’s natural function. Today, this effort continues through community stewardship, educational partnerships, and the perpetuation of Hawaiian practices and values.
“About two years ago, around 2,000 people came together for E Kū Ana Ka Paia to help raise the foundation of the fishpond’s kuapā. It was an incredible moment of coming together with shared purpose. Since then, through flooding, logistics, and long days of preparation, we gathered once again to set the capstone. Seeing everyone working side by side, guided by the same intention, reminded us of what can happen when we move as one,” said Peleke Flores, Director of ʻĀina & Community Engagement.
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of aloha from our community during Pōhaku Ka Pāpale. Seeing people of all ages come together to lift, pass, and place stones along the kuapā was truly moving. The strength and unity that day reminded us that restoration is not only about rebuilding the wall, but about deepening our connection to one another and to this place. We also want to recognize Peleke’s leadership and the new generation of wall builders learning alongside him. Their work ensures that the skills and values guiding Alakoko’s restoration continue to grow for generations to come,” said Sara Bowen, Executive Director of Mālama Hulē‘ia.
This effort is part of a larger movement, E Kū Ana Ka Paia, a call to revive the traditional practices that once sustained Hawaiian communities through collective work and shared purpose. Pōhaku Ka Pāpale carries that spirit forward, reminding us that when we lift together, we rise together.
Honoring All Who Made This Day Possible
We mahalo the pōhaku group Lau‘ale Lehua o Alakoko, the alakaʻi who traveled from across the islands to guide this work, and all who prepared the ʻāina, gathered pōhaku, cooked, cleaned, sang, and supported.
To every volunteer, partner, agency, educator, family, and supporter, mahalo nui loa!
Each stone placed, each meal shared, and each song sung strengthened not only the wall but also the community that surrounds it.
Join Us in Keeping the Movement Growing
The work of restoring Alakoko continues—one stone, one hand, one generation at a time.
If you’d like to help sustain this momentum, please consider making a gift to support future restoration efforts. Every contribution strengthens our collective movement to mālama ʻāina and carry forward the legacy of Alakoko.
Mālama Hulē‘ia 