About Us

	This picture is of many ’Ohana/Family members. A working group of volunteers on a recent trip to the Na Pali coast.
	Pictured are ’Ohana volunteers on a recent trip to Nu’alolo Kai. Sabra Kauka, Leilani Kaleiohi, Adelaide Boder, Lu Koerte (clockwise r-l), and Aalona, zodiac captain (kneeling), responsible for our boat transportation. Photos courtesy of www.napaliphoto.com

’Ohana is Hawaiian for “family”

’Ohana can actually mean much more than the dictionary definition of family. ’Ohana can describe a community, a circle of friends, who share common goals and values. This commonality defines the Na Pali Coast ‘Ohana.

In 1995 a handful of Kaua’i residents met and formed the Na Pali Coast ’Ohana. They were concerned about the impacts of years of public use of the 6000+ acre park, particularly the destination valley of Kalalau.  This heavy use, combined with a lack of proper management, was having a detrimental effect on the coast and its unique natural and cultural resources, particularly along the Kalalau Trail.  The Na Pali Coast ’Ohana became an integral part of the management team, organizing large valley and beach clean-ups and working with State staff on important tasks such as the reintroduction of native flora.

A couple of years later, the focus of the ’Ohana shifted to the small coastal flat of Nu’alolo Kai at the western end of Na Pali, which houses an extensive complex of archaeological features. The area was overgrown with years of vegetation and cultural sites were being  degraded by nature, goats and man.

In 1997, the Na Pali Coast ’Ohana Foundation officially formed as a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation.  In early 2000, the successful volunteer work of the ’Ohana was acknowledged by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. An exclusive curator agreement  was granted to the ’Ohana to malama, care for, maintain and preserve, the cultural sites within Nu’alolo Kai.  

In 2001, the ’Ohana received a Preservation Honor Award from the Historic Hawaii Foundation for its work at Nu’alolo Kai.

Nu’alolo Kai is a part of the Na Pali Archaeological District which is listed on both the National and Hawai’i Registers of Historic Places. Nu’alolo is significant as one of the first sites in Hawai’i where extensive archaeological study was conducted between 1959 and 1964. Archaeological surveys have identified and mapped a complex of housesites, ceremonial platforms, agricultural features and walled enclosures on this coastal flat. Some of the structures at Nu’alolo Kai are among the most impressive along the coast in terms of construction technique, size, and structural complexity.  This well-preserved complex provides unique opportunity for research and interpretation of traditional Hawaiian life along the Na Pali Coast.

Nu’alolo was inhabited until the end of the 19th century  and subsequently became covered with a dense growth of mostly alien vegetation. The Na Pali Coast ’Ohana is working to correct the decades of inattention.  Nu’alolo Kai may now be visited and enjoyed during the summer months, subject to weather and access conditions.

Please review our Board of Directors to fully understand their durable relationship to our environmental community. There is a collaborative synergy between the elected citizen/activist members and the County and State agency resources.

Predominantly a grassroots organization, the ’Ohana is comprised of dedicated and skilled volunteers. Our curator status has promoted achievement of noteworthy interaction with the State Parks Division of the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources.

We are constantly seeking to expand our individual membership. The enrollment of active Corporate Protectors has grown every year, helping us attain our preservation, maintenance, and education goals. No matter what your talents are, we invite you to join us in our commitment to this sacred land. Donations, even the smallest, are welcome and appreciated. Your contributions are tax deductible and your entire donation amount will go directly to support our Na Pali Coast work.

The Na Pali Coast ’Ohana remains a 100% volunteer organization without monetary compensation to any member or director.