About
Kamāwaelualani is a grassroots 501(c)(3) dedicated to culture, education, and community activation.
Ka Inoa (name):
Kamāwaelualani is an ancestral place name of Kauaʻi.
A moʻolelo (traditional story) of Ka-māwae-lua-lani from Uncle Carlos Andrade (2008) goes…
After Papahānaumoku gave birth to Hawai‘i and Maui, she left Wākea for another lover named Lua. Lua and Papa gave birth to O‘ahu. Papa went back to Wākea and rekindled their relationship. Papa and Wākea then gave birth to Kaua‘i . Māwae means to split or separate. Lani means heaven/ sky. Thus, the name Ka-māwae-lua-lani commemorates the separation of Lua and Papa and Papa's reconciliation with Wākea.
Kamāwaelualani as a grassroots organization started as a hui of all Kauaʻi born and raised young people who aspired to give back to the communities and lands that raised them using their gifts and talents. Speaking our ancestral place names gives mana back to our places.
Kamāwaleualani has since expanded to carry kuleana that impacts our whole pae ʻāina and beyond and is in the process of reorganizing to align with our current work and future directions.
Our Kamāwaelaulani hui is composed of majority Kānaka ʻŌiwi, majority wāhine, and all generational kamaʻāina to Hawaiʻi
Board of Directors
Natalie Kurashima, Ph.D.
Chucky Boy Chock
Kristi Sumida
Paul Horner
Operations
Nikki Cristobal, Ph.D., Executive Director/ P.I. MMNHWGM
Makanalani Gomes, Community Organizer
Ashley Mahaʻa, Survivor Community Outreach
Kiʻi Aweau, Public Health Community Researcher
Save Kōloa is dedicated to notifying the local community as updates unfold and hosting gatherings to protect the ‘āina.
Fighting for social, economic, and environmental justice in Hawaiʻi. Whether protecting communities from toxic pesticide drift or advocating for a living wage, we strive to improve the unfair conditions forced upon locals and the ‘āina through community organizing, advocacy, and education.
YWCA of Kaua’i is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA Kaua’i is a leader on issues of women’s empowerment and the elimination of racism on the island of Kaua’i and across the state of Hawai’i.
Advocates, educates, and leads community efforts to remove red mangrove along the Hule‘ia river, re- establishes native wetland ecosystems, and creates an environmental stewardship program honoring Hawaiian values.
An educational organization, supporting, designing, and operating educational experiences for learners across the state of Hawaiʻi and from all over the world.
Building strength in the Hawaiian community, and in its connections with others, through culture-based support for the prevention and resolution of family and community issues, support for youth as nonviolent warriors, and promotion of nonviolent solution-building and activism.
Through exhibits, programs, and events, Kaua’i Museum helps foster a greater appreciation and understanding of Kaua'i’s diverse heritage. Kaua'i Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique culture, history, and environment of Kaua'i.
Using burgeoning technologies to empower, uplift, and serve the Kaua’i community. Supporting non-profits in their efforts to perpetuate Hawai’ian culture, address community issues, preserve the ‘āina, and inspire youth.
Hālau dedicated to the perpetuation of our beloved Hawaiian culture, aloha ‘āna, and ‘ike Hawai’i through the sacred traditions of hula.
Collecting food scraps and other local compostables to divert them from our island’s overwhelmed landfill and transform them into nutrient-rich compost fertilizer, which can then be used to grow more food.
GIS/Mapping for crop planning/farm infrastructure/soil conservation/landscaping, farm scheduling, social media & marketing, land use planning & troubleshooting.
Focused on improving Hawaii’s neighborhoods through placemaking projects and civic engagement. Part of the national Better Block Foundation network, our uniquely Hawaii-based approach empowers local communities through the values of equity, resilience, and culture.
Center for Gifted & Talented Native Hawaiian Children. Providing cultural enrichment opportunities for Keiki for 30 years under the University of Hawai’i.
Ke kū nei ke Kulanui Kaiāulu ma Kauaʻi ma ke ʻano he kahua e hoʻoulu, hoʻā, a hoʻoikaika ʻia ai ka ʻike a me ka naʻauao o nā kānaka aʻo aku aaʻo mai no ka hoʻowaiwai ʻana I ke kaiāulu a me ka honua.
A thriving Native community composed of healthy individuals and families informed about their rich heritage and culture, living in a state of lōkahi (unity), and making informed choices and responsible decisions in a safe island society that is pono (in proper order).
statewide feminist government agency the works toward equality for women and girls in the State by acting as a catalyst for positive change through advocacy, education, collaboration and program development.
OHA is a semi-autonomous state agency responsible for improving the wellbeing of all Native Hawaiians (regardless of blood quantum).
The Rice Street Business Association works to promote and support businesses in the Lihue area by providing resources, hosting events, applying for funding to fund community projects, and providing advocacy.
Facilitating solutions to economic, social, and agricultural/food security challenges that the Kīlauea community and Kaua`i faces.
Collabs/ Partnerships
We thrive to uplift the work already being done in our communities that sustain Kaua’i. These are some of the partners we had the honor of working with on past projects.
Hoʻomanawaleʻa
Mahalo nui loa to our funders and donors for believing in the work we do.
Current and past funders and donors include:
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, HTA Kūkula Ola Grant, Women’s Fund Hawaiʻi, Better Block Hawaiʻi, E.H.W. Broadbent Foundation, Cynthia and Mark Wolfendale, Mark Gabbay, Rice Street Business Association, Papa Ola Lokahi, Urban Indian Health Institute, Medicine Wheel Ride Hawaiʻi, Pouhana O Nā Wāhine, Learn by Experience Japan.