MĀLAMA I KE KAI ‘O WAIPI‘O

Community. Connection. Stewardship.

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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? 

William Showalter

Itʻs a place of sanctuary, surfing, hiking, fishing. We’ve lived in Kohala for 20 years and frequent Waipio at least once a month. We have so many beautiful memories of this sacred place. Our community needs Waipio. It is one of the few direct ocean access points with a sandy beach that local families can go to. It needs to be opened to island residents.

William Showalter
Spencer Williams

Waipi’o is important to me because it is a place for my family and I go to relax, unwind, and enjoy the ocean as a family. Spending time with my family is extremely important to me. Over the last few years, the Hamakua is shrinking with beach access from Hakalau to Kolekole. We, as a family, are grateful for the valley and what it presents and what it provides to us and others. Please bring access to Waipi’o Valley back to residents.

Spencer Williams
Sally Lundburg

My husband and I live in Paauilo Mauka and work full-time jobs at local schools. We also maintain our family homestead, so do not have a lot of free time. Other than Waipi‘o, there are no nearby areas to safely access the ocean as a family. Surfing for us is exercise, stress relief, and a way to strengthen relationships in the community. Accessing our local shoreline is a cultural and family practice and we feel it is important to share this with our daughter.

Sally Lundburg