Kiolakaʻa is a largely untouched natural and cultural landscape in the Kaʻū region of the Island of Hawaiʻi. History links Kiolakaʻa to Hawaiian cowboys, known as paniolo, and even a ranch owned by Princess Ruth Keʻelikolani. But the significance of Kiolakaʻa stretches even further back in history. The area contains a section of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement, heiau (places of worship), and a cave system which is the most extensive refuge cave on the island and was used to defend the area in conflict.

Kiolakaʻa a is an ahupuaʻa (traditional Hawaiian land division from the mountain to the sea) along the eastern shoreline of Ka‘alu‘alu Bay, which brims with natural richness. Native coastal plants, the Kapenako fresh water spring, and a variety of rare native shrimp call Kiolakaʻa home. Additionally, the area is critical for dryland forest preservation. Ninety percent of Hawaiian dryland forests have been lost, yet Kiolakaʻa has one of the few remaining native dryland forests in Hawaiʻi.

The Ka‘ū community has been working for years to protect this beloved coast to honor their kūpuna (ancestors) and empower future generations to engage with Hawaiian culture. Access to the coastline is important for a community who relies on subsistence fishing and gathering. Because this landscape includes a section of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, protection means that future generations can walk in the footsteps of Ka‘ū’s ancestors.

Kiolakaʻa is one of several TPL land protection efforts that have conserved over 24,000 acres in the  Ka‘ū region to improve access to the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, preserve Hawaiian culture, and return lands to Native Hawaiian organizations for community stewardship. Thanks to partnership between Trust for Public Land, Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA), and the Ka‘ū community, Kiolakaʻa is now protected forever to continue its rich past and connect more people to Hawai‘i’s beloved land and cherished history.

Explore more of our work along the Ala Kahakai Trail.