Keauhou Community Day focused on ‘āina, culture, community at Keauhou Bay and Keauhou Shopping Center

To honor the spirit of mālama ʻāina and aloha ʻāina, Keauhou Shopping Center, the county of Hawai‘i and Kamehameha Schools on Sept. 28 held Keauhou Community Day.

Created in 2023 by former Miss Kona Coffee Shyla Victor as a way to give back to her community, this year’s event reflected a commitment to stewarding ʻāina (land) to ensure health and resilience in perpetuity.

“This event is a meaningful opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our cultural heritage and reaffirm our dedication to aloha ʻāina,” said Shyla Victor, the current Miss Hawaiʻi Island.

The day began at Keauhou Bay, a wahi pana (legendary place) that is the birthplace of Kauikeaouli, who became Kamehameha III. A welcoming ceremony with Hawaiian protocol started the morning followed by mālama ʻāina activities led by the Kamehameha Schools ‘Āina Pauahi group at significant cultural sites around Keauhou Bay: Kamehameha III’s birth site, Mo‘ikeha Cave, He‘eia Bay, Ka‘ili‘ilinehe Park and nearby Ali‘i Highway.

The county of Hawai‘i assisted with removal of trash and other debris recovered during the clean-up. More than 80 volunteers picked up 395 pounds of trash and 180 pounds of green waste, according to Clean Rewards.

Following the mālama ʻāina activities, volunteers enjoyed a community pāʻina at Keauhou Shopping Center. The pāʻina featured foods, live music, a jumping castle and keiki crafts hosted by KidXClub, with support from Big Island Collision Center.

After lunch, Kamehameha Schools staff led an informational session and tour for those interested in learning more about its vision for Keauhou Bay.

Yesterday’s events were held entirely on ‘Āina Pauahi, the lands of Kamehameha Schools’ founder Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop.

“‘Āina is core to Native Hawaiian identity and well-being, making its health and vibrancy increasingly important,” said Marissa Harman, planning and development director with Kamehameha Schools’ ‘Āina Pauahi group.