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.

It’s a place my husband, our children, and myself have been going to all our lives. I was born here and raise here and the thought of never having access to it ever again is saddening. When I am down in the valley, I feel at peace, I feel grateful, I feel great love, I feel cleansed of negativity. It is a very special place…it is one on my favorite places. I had the opportunity of hiking to Hi’ilawe once with my family, and it was absolutely magical. I also had to opportunity to clean around the lo’i and look forward to working in the lo’i. My children learn about ancient Hawaii in Waipi’o in school and have a deeper appreciation for the place and all the stories that come with it. The thought of future children of hawaiian ancestry only being able to learn about Waipi’o from school (or not learning about it at all) and see and experience the valley themselves is heartbreaking.

I have been going to the valley my entire life in many different ways. Always with wonder, joy, and respect. I am 61 years old. I love to see the families and keiki enjoying themselves like I did when I was younger.