ABOUT US.
The Pololū Trail Stewardship Program is a collaborative project with lineal descendent community of Pololū, Makanikahiō and neighboring ahupuaʻa., Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, KUPU, Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program. Due to the rapid increase of visitors to the Pololū Lookout, Trail, and coastal shoreline, there is a growing need to mitigate the impacts to the community. Our efforts are focused on protecting Pololu through education and stewardship of the land. We are blessed to have stewards who know and love this wahi pana. Donate here,
He Ali'i Ka 'Aina, He Kauwa Ke Kanaka
(The Land is Chief; Man is its Servant)
'Ōlelo No'eau
MISSION & HISTORY.
Go to
wehewehe.org for translation of Hawaiian words.
Wahi Pana
Pololū Valley is a wahi pana (legendary place) of Kohala. Pololū and the valleys and ridges beyond were home of the high ranking chiefs of Kohala loko. Here in "Deep Kohala" those of high mana, high kapu, and high kuleana were secreted away. Due to this protective nature, Pololū and the surrounding ʻāina was heavily guarded from outsiders, with fortresses, and strategic battle points along the ridges and gullies of the valleys.
Tourism, Traffic, and Rising Risks
Today's modern world of social media-adventure seekers along with, "authentic Hawaiʻi" tourism has lead to an increase of visitors, traffic, and hazardous conditions to Pololū. In one week alone in January 2021, there were a total of 5 extractions in Pololū valley.
Cultural Sites and Protected Lands
The valley of Pololū is also filled with cultural sites, including burial mounds located in the puʻe one (sand dunes), and deteriorated wetland agriculture systems and marshland area. These sites are now protected by conservation zoning, and many of them are located on private property. Yup, you read that right, the front third of the valley, with the exception of the public trail and beach access, is privately owned by a mixture of landowners, including kuleana landowners.
Community Concerns Over Development
In 2021 one of these landowners proposed a Property Consolidation Rezoning and Subdivision (PCRS) application through a letter of intent to the Department of Land and Natural Resources Board. The intent was to propose a consolidation proposal to the County Planning department involving their properties and adjoining state of Hawaiʻi property. The approval of this letter sparked alarm in the community because of the resulting lots of sale along the rim.
The proposed consolidation would also result in the state of Hawaiʻi owning the valley floor, and a 5-acre parcel of land along the Akoni Pule Highway for the proposed parking lot and rest station by District Representatives.
Community Concerns Over Development and Trail Maintenance
Protect Pololū is working with the State to guide stewardship efforts and show what true mālama for this ʻāina looks like. The way things were going—with poor enforcement of visitor behavior and neglect around the trailhead—shows that the current management just isn’t working or sustainable. Meanwhile, lineal descendants from the nearby village of Niuliʻi/Makapala strongly oppose new developments like houses or a rest area along the valley rim in Makahikahiō.
The Protect Pololū ʻOhana believes it's better to focus on fixing what’s there now, instead of building anything new. No new development and "Keep Pololū, Pololū.