Olowalu Cultural Reserve
The Olowalu Cultural Reserve was originally founded in 1999 by a group of individuals who were intent on protecting cultural resources through traditional Hawaiian practices and protocols for the present and future. The Olowalu Cultural Reserve was dissolved in January of 2020 and reorganized as Kipuka Olowalu.
In February of 2020, Kipuka Olowalu was founded by a new board including Hinano Rodrigues, Kainoa Horcajo, and Edwin “Ekolu” Lindsey with the support of Lawrence Carnicelli representing Olowalu Elua Associates. While the name changed, the mission stayed the same: To perpetuate traditional and customary practices of kanaka maoli of these Hawaiian Islands and to regain the spiritual connection of hanai ‘āina of our Hawaiian ancestors by ensuring these beliefs and customs are passed down to future generations.
The “hands in the dirt” officially began in October of 2020 through CARES Act funding granted through Maui County’s Office of Economic and Development. Since then, members of Kipuka Olowalu have worked to restore the land through projects such as lo’i restoration, native plantings, invasive species removal, and re-establishing proper cultural protocols for all who enter.
Beyond protecting the Cultural Reserve, Kipuka Olowalu also works to preserve the biodiversity and beauty of Olowalu Reef, a 1000 acre reef habitat that provides food and shelter to a variety of marine species and unique coral habitat. Through proper plantings and sediment mitigation techniques, Kipuka Olowalu is able to reduce reef stressors and help to maintain the integrity of the nearshore marine ecosystem.
Kipuka Olowalu believes in a holistic ahupua’a approach to managing the ecosystem that extends from the mountains to the sea, using traditional approaches that is considered to be “organic” in today’s world. Or simply put, no chemicals and common sense.
