Waipā Foundation
Waipā is a 1,600 acre ahupuaa, or watershed, located along Kauai’s beautiful north shore.
The Waipā Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which manages the valley under a lease from the landowner, Kamehameha Schools.
In the early 1980’s, through activism, the Hawaiian families of Kauai’s north shore communities saved Waipā valley from resort and golf course development.
They envisioned Waipā as a place to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian cultural values and knowledge through practice.
Waipā Foundation was established in 1994 to to bring this vision to fruition.
Today Waipā Foundation is a thriving community based nonprofit that serves thousands of learners each year through a wide variety of programs, projects, festivals, and gatherings.
Purpose of Activity
Waipā Foundation’s purpose is be a living learning center; a space to elevate and share Hawaiian values and practices, such as aloha aina and malama aina, and to inspire all who connect with Waipa to adopt and incorporate these values into their lives and worldview.
Activities
Waipā’s programs focus on hundreds of youth and families which comprise the historically underserved in both it’s local geographic area.
We also welcome thousands of lifelong learners annually from schools and other groups from throughout the island, state and beyond.
Waipā’s team has developed and manages about 30 acres of wetland taro fields, gardens, orchards, food forests and cultural plantings along with sites along the stream and irrigation system, it’s coastal strand and an inland fishpond.
Produce from our gardens and loi as well as other local farmers is made into products such as poi, cheesecake and baked goods, and savory entrees in our commercial kitchen and poi mill on site.
Our kitchen, facilities, and farmers market also support local food entrepreneurs and provide a space for community gatherings, cultural practice and other uses.
Our small fleet of waa (canoes) supports programming around Hawaiian waa culture and knowlege in and around Hanalei Bay. Waipā is the ultimate landscape for learning, mai uka a i kai (from the uplands to the sea).
Volunteer workday at 9am on the 4th Saturday of each month at various sites within the ahupuaa.
History
- Early 1980's
- Through activism, the Hawaiian families of Kauai's north shore communities saved Waipa valley
- 1994
- Waipā Foundation was established to restore the valley’s vibrant natural systems and resources and inspire healthy, thriving communities connected to their resources.
