About Us

Mālama Maunalua is a community-based group that has emerged to help care for the Maunalua region of southeast O`ahu. Mālama Maunalua is dedicated to creating a healthy Maunalua region, described as the area from Kawaihoa (Koko Head area, East O’ahu) to Kūpikipiki‘ō (Black Point) to the Ko`olau ridgeline.

Mālama Maunalua is a collaboration of more than a dozen partners including the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Hui Nalu Canoe Club, Mālama Hawai`i, NOAA, the University of Hawai`i and The Nature Conservancy, working together to create a community-based marine education and resource stewardship program in Maunalua Bay.

Our Mission

To Conserve and Restore a Healthy and Productive Maunalua Bay Through Community Kuleana

Our Vision

A Maunalua Bay where marine life is abundant, the water is clean and clear, and people take kuleana in caring for the Bay

Our Pledge

From Kawaihoa to Kūpikipiki'ō, we envision for Maunalua Bay the restoration of healthy, productive ecosystems - where fish are once again plentiful, there is less pollution and sedimentation - where people collaborate together to sustainably manage and care for the Bay. We see the ahupua`a system being revitalized to its full extent, allowing us to understand and appreciate the connections between the land and the water, between people and the `āina. We see the wisdom and knowledge of our kūpuna being rediscovered and integrated into our way of managing resources. We envision students and community members engaged in creating and sharing new knowledge and actively caring for the environment. Learning centers and an educational marine preserve become resources for our community and the people of Hawai`i. We form strong relationships with other coastal communities to exchange ideas and experiences and to inspire responsibility and pride in our surroundings, re-establishing a sense of kuleana.

2009 Conservation Action Plan (CAP)

In 2009, Mālama Maunalua met with its partners to update the 2006 Maunalua Bay Conservation Action Plan. This document provides a foundation and road-map for restoration actions for Maunalua Bay and its regional watersheds. We hope that as you read through the list of threats to the Bay and the management actions required to address them, you will identify areas where you want to become involved.

Click here to download copy of the 2009 CAP (Coming Soon!)

Eia Mākou Mālama Maunalua

Eia mākou Mālama Maunalua! (We are Mālama Maunalua)
People of the ‘āina and ocean, those who dwell and care for beloved Maunalua
In the Kona district of O’ahu of Ali’i Kākuhihewa
Maunalua, where the ‘iwa flies above the clouds
‘Elepaio (native flycatcher) chatter and flutter among the koa
The twin feathers of the ‘auku’u (Black-crowned night heron) are tossed by the beach wind
And the schools of ‘ama’ama (mullet) swim below
From Kawaihoa (Portlock Point) where Kāne brought forth life-giving water
To the crashing waves of Kūpikipiki’ō (Black Point)
Kuamo’o-o-Kāne’apua (Koko Head) and Kohelepelepe (Koko Crater) are majestic
Maunalua extends to the cliffs of Pu’u-o-Kona (of Kuli’ou’ou) and Pu’u Lanipō (of Wai’ālae Nui)
To the reefs built by coral polyps, our kin, and the sandy flats where the sea grasses dance
Cherished is the fishpond, Ke’ahupua-o-Maunalua, its companion is Ka’elepulu (in Kailua)
Laukupu, a mo’o, is the guardian of Maunalua
The sea of Koko is for ‘Ouha, the akua manō (shark god) who stands guard
In honor of the akua (gods), our ‘aumakua (family gods), and kūpuna kahiko (ancestors)
We take on this kuleana to learn, share, laulima (work together), and persevere
Our spirits fly high like the ‘iwa above, our intentions, true and deep as Kanaloa’s seas
We will protect, honor, and mālama Maunalua to the last breath
Eia mākou ‘o Mālama Maunalua! (We are Mālama Maunalua)

Lance “Mahi” La Pierre, Maunalua, Kona, O’ahu, May 9, 2008

2009 Annual Report

2008 Annual Report

He Kai Kanalani Ko Maunalua Brochure

Malama Maunalua Brochure