Keiki lead effort to beautify, enhance Hale Hālāwai in historic Kailua Village

A community-driven project led by keiki from ʻAhahui ʻŌpio Aloha ʻĀina has beautified and enhanced Hawaiʻi County’s Hale Hālāwai park in historic Kailua Village in Kona.

The project was completed under the guidance of Hale Hālāwai Recreation Director James “Nish” Nishimura.

It highlights the importance of collaboration in preserving and enhancing the beauty and cultural heritage of our local spaces.

Hale Hālāwai is a community recreation facility offering a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. The park is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment that promotes wellness, cultural enrichment and community engagement.

The students from ʻAhahui ʻŌpio Aloha ʻĀina, a youth organization committed to nurturing a love and respect for the ʻāina (land) through hands-on environmental projects and educational programs, replanted red tī, tiare, gardenia and pua kenikeni trees around the Hale Hālāwai building.

“It is inspiring to see our county partner with the next generation of leaders from ʻAhahui ʻŌpio Aloha ʻĀina to restore native plants at one of Kona’s most visited parks,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth. “This project not only beautifies Hale Hālāwai but also instills pride and responsibility in our keiki by reconnecting them with our public spaces in a meaningful way.”

The newly planted red tī, tiare, gardenia and pua kenikeni trees now welcome residents and visitors alike, serving as a reminder of the native landscape of the Kona area.

This initiative aligns with the county’s commitment to fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship around the Big Island.

The beautification project was made possible by a generous donation of plants from the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, which is focused on creating a vibrant, safe and economically sustainable Kailua Village.

The organization works in partnership with local businesses, residents and government entities to enhance the quality of life in the village through various improvement projects and community initiatives.