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? 

Vasco Freitas

My name is Vasco Freitas and I am 13 years old. Waipio is where I go to surf with my family and friends and where I like to go to get away from the concrete world. It is also important to me because I have been going down there since I was very little. This is where I learned to surf and swim. Surfing makes me feel happy and when I am done I feel energized. The only thing that I wanted to do for my birthday was to go down and surf, but now that the road is closed I cannot. With the road closed it takes over an hour to go surfing. I miss it already.

Vasco Freitas
Jay Coughlin

Waipio is the heart of the Big Island. I’ve driven and walked the road many times. The dangers are being exaggerated. The closure was a major but correctable mistake. All residents of the island should be able to visit. Tourist traffic can be restricted to appropriate tour vehicles. Meanwhile, a long-overdue plan to improve the road can be developed.

Jay Coughlin
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