Halulu Fishpond Access

Forty years ago, local families and farmers on Kaua’i’s north shore came together to oppose resort and golf course development and restore the health of Waipā’s native ecosystems. Together, they envisioned building a place for Hawaiian cultural practice. Through grassroots efforts, the small group grew and founded the Waipā Foundation to ensure the land would remain accessible for all to enjoy.

Today, the foundation manages 1,672 acres of land, home to Waipā’s vibrant forests, streams, farmlands, and coastline. The living learning center teaches, shares, and inspires Hawaiian values and traditional ahupuaʻa management practices, centered on communities caring for their own resources.

Within the ahupua’a, on privately owned land, is the community path to Waipā’s coastal zone along Hanalei Bay and Halulu Fishpond. Each year, thousands of students, program participants, and community members walk through the 0.25-acre Halulu Fishpond Access property to learn about and enjoy the fishpond, Wai’oli stream and estuary, and the coast. Endangered wetland birds fly, nest, and forage throughout the region.

Until 2023, the 0.25-acre parcel was at risk of development that would expand the luxury oceanfront residences neighboring the property. If not for the community’s advocacy, the natural serenity of the space celebrating Hawaiian practices, people, and values and would be forever lost.

With the threat of losing this critical access looming, advocacy and fundraising to purchase the kuleana in-holding became paramount. In 2023, the community’s dream was realized. TPL, partnering with the Waipā Foundation and community members, helped preserve the land that has been stewarded by the Foundation for decades, forever.

Through the Halulu Fishpond Access purchase, the Waipā Foundation will have a permanent foothold on Kaua’i’s north shore, stewarding the entire ahupua’a, mauka to makai. Waipā will continue to be a thriving place that feeds, inspires, and nurtures the community and all who visit, in perpetuity.