Founders of the Kipahulu 'Ohana gather with representatives from the National Park Service for the blessing of the traditional hale on July 27, 2002. From left to right: John Lind, Project Director; Mike Minn, President; Don Reeser, Park Superintendent; Boy Hanchett (performing the blessing); Tweetie Lind, Secretary/Treasurer.

In Partnership with
Haleakala National Park

Kipahulu has been home to generations of Native Hawaiians who preserved the resources through malama ka ‘aina (care/love of the land). In 1951, the Upper Kipahulu Valley was included in Haleakala National Park. The coastal area of ‘Ohe‘o, including the present Kapahu Farm, was added to Haleakala National Park in 1969. The addition of these lands to the national park transferred several ‘ahupua‘a into public lands--and a created a unique opportunity for Native Hawaiians and the National Park Service to work together to malama ka ‘aina.

Park resource managers work to protect the native rain forest in Upper Kipahulu Valley, which in turn provides vital water to the lo‘i (taro patches) at Kapahu. We, the Kipahulu ‘Ohana, have helped park interpretive staff complete a vision and interpretive plan for the Kipahulu area. In 1995, we entered into a Cooperative Agreement with Haleakala National Park. The Agreement, recently renewed until 2008, formally recognizes the partnership that has blossomed through the years. With this Agreement, we have brought 14 ancient lo‘i back into cultivation, we have constructed one traditional hale and are currently constructing a second hale, and have introduced hundreds of locals and Maui visitors to indigenous Hawaiian culture within Haleakala National Park.