HUI O KUAPĀ
MOLOKAʻI
The 2026 Hui Mālama Loko Iʻa
annual gathering was held in Manaʻe, Molokaʻi, from April 23–26, 2026, and hosted by KUA and Hui o Kuapā. More than 100 kiaʻi loko gathered from across Hawaiʻi to honor the ʻōlelo noʻeau “Ke ola nō ia o kiaʻi loko,” meaning “That is the livelihood of the keeper of the pond.” The gathering honored the essential role of the kiaʻi loko and the responsibility of caring for the resources that sustain our communities. Together, we explored the many roles and responsibilities of being a kiaʻi, engaged in hands-on restoration of loko iʻa, and learned moʻolelo of Molokaʻi that reflected generations of fierce guardianship and aloha ʻāina.
OUR MISSION
Education is the kua or backbone of the Hui o Kuapā mission. Hui o Kuapā educates the local and global community about Native Hawaiian resource management and innovations through hands on experience in the loko iʻa or fishponds as well as through advocacy of native rights and issues. The organization has been instrumental in raising awareness about the need to care for our planet and food security in rural communities. It proudly continues to carry out that mission today.
FEATURED PROJECTS & EVENTS
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Join Maile and Hanohano Naehu for a group bus ride, storytelling of Moloka'i, and lunch! RSVP required.
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Hui o Kuapā: Restoring People and Loko Iʻa
"Prior to Western contact in 1778, there were well over 400 seaside loko iʻa throughout Hawaiʻi ranging from half an acre to 500 acres in size. Small or large, they all had kuapā (walls) up to six feet high that were excellent examples of dry-stack masonry, stones fitted together tightly with no mortar. "
© 2025 by Hui o Kuapā
