MĀLAMA I KE KAI ‘O WAIPI‘O

Community. Connection. Stewardship.

JOIN US

Our mission is to ensure ocean access for Hawaii Island residents to perpetuate traditional forms of wave riding, fishing, gathering, and other shoreline activities that sustain a thriving Waipi‘o Valley.

Days since Emergency Proclamation. 

  • SIGN THE PETITION
    On Feb. 25, 2022 Waipi’o Valley access was cut off to the community under Mayor Mitch Roth’s Emergency Proclamation. Access was allowed for some while denied to others. Sign the petition to show support for community access.
  • STAY UPDATED
    Visit our News page where you can join our mailing list, link to press articles, and stay informed about community events.
  • LINK TO SURVEY
    If you are a Hawai‘i resident,  have a strong history of connection to Waipi‘o,  and are concerned about being denied access, please link above to submit a testimonial. Itʻs important that the mayor understand the diversity in our community.

TESTIMONIALS

Why is Waipi’o important to you? 

Zetta Freitas

Aloha, my name is Zetta Freitas and I am 12 years old. I have been going to Waipio since I was very little. Waipio is important to me because it is the place that I go with my family and friends to surf and enjoy the ocean. Waipio is a place that is free and natural. When I am there I feel relaxed. My dad taught me how to surf in Waipio and it is where I have gotten lots of my confidence out in the water. I also got my first barrel there and I will always remember that moment and it is very special to me. I miss going surfing down in the valley and hope that it will open up soon.

Zetta Freitas
Travis Clark

Waipi’o for my ohana is a place to connect with the ocean, the land, and our sense of place. It provides us a way to exercise, reset, and teach our son about currents, tides, habitats, and history. I guess we all didn’t realize just how important it was for our mental and physical well-being until this closure. We had always assumed that our rights to access the coast were not something that could just be taken away overnight.

Travis Clark
Nicole Tergeoglou

Waipio is essential to our family’s physical and mental well being. We come here and remember and make new memories and are so grateful for this place. The ocean heals us and makes us whole again.

Nicole Tergeoglou