About Us
Hoʻōla nā inoa o Keʻehi
MAULIOLA KE‘EHI
Established in 2019, Mauliola Ke‘ehi builds on the legacy of the traditional families of Ke‘ehi, including the Kupihea ʻohana. With the kuleana to steward the legacy of Ke‘ehi and Mauliola (formerly known as Sand Island), Mauliola Ke‘ehi promotes the healing of people and place through intentional, facilitated huakaʻi to the healing waters of Ke‘ehi.
Over the past 15 years, the program's kuleana has grown to mālama all four islands of Ke‘ehi, including Kahakaʻaulana, Mokuoʻeo, Mokauea, and Mauliola. A visit to Keʻehi typically takes a half day. It includes learning about the history and moʻolelo of the place, engaging in practices of healing and self-regulation, paddling to the tidal islands in a waʻa (canoe), exploring the ecology of the tidal islands and reef, and engaging in mālama ʻāina activities such as out-planting and ‘ōpala removal. Visiting kumu also have the opportunity to collaborate with us to facilitate more advanced scientific activities.
Experience the healing waters of Ke‘ehi for yourself and travel back in time to ka wā kahiko (the days of old) as you traverse the blue waters by waʻa, encounter sea life on the reef, and learn the history of these storied and resonant places. Give back to this ʻāina (land & sea) we call home by helping to clear invasive species, remove marine debris, and explore the science of the sea via the Kumulipo (creation chant), all while learning Kilo Kino mauliola (wellbeing) techniques. The Honua (Earth) is our kūpuna medicine!! E ola!
KĒHAULANI
KUPIHEA
Mauliola Ke‘ehi's Executive Director Kēhaulani Kupihea grew up fishing with her father and his parents, her grandparents, in the rich ocean waters of Ke‘ehi. Her genealogy ties her to this sacred place, and an ancestral calling led her to commit to steward and perpetuate Ke‘ehi, its people, places, practices, culture and history.
With a background in archaeology, research and Hawaiian cultural education, and a passion for ocean awareness, Kēhaulani began sharing the rich moʻolelo about Keʻehi 20 years ago, taking groups over to Mokauea Island to learn and experience all that Ke‘ehi has to offer.
To date, thousands of school groups, community members, and other volunteers have made the transformative journey to experience the healing waters of Ke‘ehi in the heart of Honolulu.
The legacy of this sacred place continues through Kēhaulani's family, as both her and her husband Kupihea have deep genealogical ties to this area. Kupiheaʻs tūtū Catherine Mahina Hōkū o Malamalama Kupihea Wilson was born in 1925 and raised on the papa of Keʻehi on the tidal island of Kahakaʻaulana in the Mokauea fishery.
Their son, Kā‘ei ‘ula ‘o Ahukini a La‘a is growing up steeped in the stories and practices of his ancestors.