ʻAnaehoʻomalu Kapalaoa

Nestled on the boundaries of North Kona and South Kohala, ʻAnaehoʻomalu Kapalaoa is a wahi pana (legendary, storied place). With deep connections to pristine coastal ecosystem, wai ʻōpae (anchialine ponds), two petroglyph fields, heiau (places of worship), and an ancient trail network, this land holds power and meaning to Native Hawaiian and local families.

Renowned for its ability to feed the community, ʻAnaehoʻomalu Kapalaoa represents life told through land (ʻāina). ‘Anaeho‘omalu means protected mullet referring to the abundance of fish in the protected bay and two loko iʻa (fishponds), Kūʻualiʻi and Kahāpapa, located just north of the property. Until the 1930s, Kapalaoa (sperm whale tooth) was a small coastal village known for hukilau (communal, shoreline net fishing) and salt making.

But as too many Native Hawaiian communities experience, ʻAnaehoʻomalu Kapalaoa faced threat of resort development. It was the last undeveloped beachfront property in Waikoloa Resort, which is why Trust for Public Land partnered with lineal descendants and the community to protect this space forever.

Under the stewardship of Nā Ōiwi O Pu‘uanahulu, a Native Hawaiian descendant-led nonprofit, ʻAnaehoʻomalu Kapalaoa can continue to be a beloved shoreline for cultural practice, community stewardship, and connection. By safeguarding this land, this space can serve as a kīpuka (a calm place in a high sea, an oasis in a lava bed) where families can return and reconnect to their childhood playground—now and for generations to come.