Walking Waipā: Discovering the Heart of Kaua‘i’s Living Heritage

Waipā Foundation

A Journey Through Āina, Culture, and Community

On the lush northern shore of Kaua‘i lies Waipā, a living example of how the Hawaiian spirit continues to thrive through connection, culture, and care for the land. For more than 20 years, the Waipā Foundation has lovingly stewarded the 1,600-acre ahupua‘a of Waipā under a lease from Kamehameha Schools. Located along the tranquil shores of Hanalei Bay, Waipā is one of the nine traditional land divisions in Kaua‘i’s Halele‘a district.

This sacred place invites visitors and locals alike to connect deeply with the ‘āina — the land that feeds and sustains life — and to experience Hawaiian values in action through laulima, meaning “many hands working together.” Here, sustainability, education, and cultural practice blend seamlessly into daily life, offering an inspiring model for community resilience.

Learning Together in the Ahupua‘a

Waipā Foundation

At Waipā, learning is a way of life. The foundation welcomes learners of all ages to engage with Hawaiian traditions and values through hands-on, place-based education. Youth programs, workshops, and group visits provide opportunities to explore how ancient Hawaiian practices remain relevant in today’s world.

Visitors can walk the fields, learn about native farming methods, or participate in immersive cultural activities that celebrate stewardship, cooperation, and aloha. Every experience at Waipā encourages reflection on the importance of caring for both people and planet — a message that resonates far beyond the shores of Hanalei.

Poi Day: A Thursday Tradition of Togetherness

Waipā Foundation

Each Thursday morning, the heart of Waipā beats strongest during Poi Day — a beloved weekly gathering where the community comes together to process cooked kalo (taro) into poi. This practice began about 30 years ago among Hawaiian families on Kaua‘i’s north shore as a way to ensure poi remained accessible and affordable to all.

Today, Poi Day continues as a cherished community tradition, providing nourishment and connection while distributing poi to kupuna (elders) and ‘ohana (families) across the island. Visitors who witness or join in this practice gain a meaningful glimpse into the essence of Hawaiian life — collective care, gratitude, and respect for the land.

Kuleana: Stewardship of the Land and People

Waipā Foundation

Waipā Foundation’s guiding principle is kuleana, or responsibility. As stewards of this ahupua‘a, the foundation works tirelessly to model sustainable resource management that reflects the wisdom of Hawaiian ancestors.

Their mission is to perpetuate a thriving, interdependent relationship between people and nature — an example of how ancient values can guide modern solutions. Through community workdays, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities, Waipā encourages everyone to kōkua (help) and be part of the ongoing journey toward a healthier future.

Visiting Waipā: Connecting with the Spirit of Kaua‘i

Visitors to Kaua‘i seeking authentic cultural experiences will find Waipā to be an unforgettable stop. Whether joining a group visit, attending Poi Day, or volunteering alongside local residents, every interaction at Waipā offers a window into the living culture of Hawai‘i.

It’s not simply about seeing a place — it’s about participating in its story, one rooted in respect, cooperation, and aloha for the land and its people.

Waipā Foundation

Waipā Foundation

Web: https://waipafoundation.org/
Email: contact@waipafoundation.org
General Inquiries: (808) 826-9969
Tour Inquiries: (808) 651-4831
Mailing: P.O. Box 1189
Physical: 5-5785A Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i 96714

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