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? 

Dave Anderson

Access to the ocean at Waipi’o is essential to my well being

Dave Anderson
Alex Woodbury

My earliest memories are rooted in the black sands of Waipio. Over 40 years now, & my youth was spent in the healing waters of the valley. Feeding wild horses, chasing prawns, bathing in waterfalls, hiking to Waimanu, and surfing in the steel-blue waters; Waipio has always been a constructive outlet for me, and now for my Keiki as well. It is a sacred and treasured place for me and my Ohana, and it is our mission always to leave it in better condition than when we arrive from beach cleanups, and tourist etiquette education, to rides up and for residents, we always strive to do our part.

Alex Woodbury
Sheri Salmon

Besides being a place of respite for me and my family, Waipi’o Valley continues to be a place for Hawaiians and Aloha ‘Āina to connect both culturally and spiritually. Waipi’o is laden with history and made famous not only for its captivating beauty, but also its long lineage of ali’i who’ve traversed the steep hillsides, as well as the ancient moolelo of Nanaue, Umi, and Kamehameha the Great. By taking away access to such a place—especially from Native Hawaiians— you take away a connection to our culture and eliminate place-based and hands-on learning opportunities that my husband and I use to teach our son about the history of his home and people, as well as limiting ocean access and opportunities for physical and mental health and well-being.

Sheri Salmon