Honohononui on Hawai‘i Island is a coastal habitat with historically and culturally significant sites, including a shoreside loko i‘a.
Honohononui is an ‘ili kūpono which rests along the coastline within the ahupua‘a of Waiākea, Hilo, Hawai‘i.
Today, there are several schools in the area nurturing young ‘ōiwi leaders, including Keaukaha Elementary, Ka ‘Umeke Kā‘eo, Ke Ana La‘ahana and Hilo Intermediate. Honohononui is also home to a loko i‘a at the Kumuola Marine Science Education Center, where keiki and kumu take part in Hawaiian culture-based science lessons. To learn more about Kumuola, click here.
Looking to the future, Kamehameha Schools (KS) envisions Honohononui to be a dynamic educational, agricultural, cultural and economic environment that is supported through partnerships and collaborations, creating thriving lands and a vibrant community. KS conducted an extensive community outreach and engagement process resulting in more than 30 meetings with various stakeholders to inform the Honohononui Management Plan that will guide the process for bringing this vision to life. The plan also provides a framework for diverse partnering opportunities between KS and Keaukaha community organizations and individuals.
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The coastline of Honohononui is rocky and full of tidepools.
Honohononui is also home to the Hilo Yacht Club, established in the area in the late 1930s.
Haumāna practiced “throwing net” on land before casting the net in the loko i‘a at the Kumuola Marine Science Education Center in Honohononui.
The Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation stewards the Hale o Lono loko ‘ia at Honohononui.
The Kumuola Science Research Education Center provides countless STEM and cultural educational opportunities for keiki on Hawai‘i Island.
KS’ thoughtful Honohononui Management plan outlines the following:
Identifies and prioritizes land uses in Honohononui based upon community stakeholder values and KS’ priorities over the next 15 years.
Develops management strategies, goals and outcomes to maximize returns based on KS’ core values: Education, Community, Economics, Environment and Culture.
Facilitates collaboration between KS and community stakeholders in the sustainable management of natural, cultural and economic resources.
Ensures education, community and stewardship activities align with resource and economic management strategies
The plan envisions the future of Honohononui will include:
Coastal resource management (50 acres) – develop an outdoor learning venue for ‘āina-based education and natural and cultural resource management.
Rural economic development (19 acres) – establish small-scale commercial activities to support KS’ educational mission and opportunities at Honohononui.
Education/community zone (alternate sites) – create programs, charter schools, a kūpuna gathering place, a KS preschool and other community resources.
Agricultural lands (152 acres) – provide opportunities for community-managed gardens, small and medium scale agricultural operations, and more.
