81 acres on Hilo-Hāmākua coast to be preserved in perpetuity

On the Hilo-Hāmākua coast, Hawaiʻi County paid $6.2 million to purchase an 81-acre property known as Kawainui Makai to preserve in perpetuity.

The property features a pebble beach and well-preserved estuary, offering a unique point for recreational, cultural and fishing access along the coast.  

The purchase was funded through the county’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission program.

“This purchase wouldn’t be possible without the advocacy of community members who recognized its ecological and cultural importance,” Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a press release. “Because of their efforts, and the support of the previous owner, we are able to keep this special place in public hands forever.”

The site is located in the ahupuaʻa of Kawainui and Onomea and is the first purchase using the open space funds to occur in the North-South Hilo area. The property had been listed for sale, putting it at risk of being developed.  

The county now is exploring stewardship opportunities with partners, such as the Makahanaloa Fishing Association, to ensure management is led by the community.

“Makahanaloa Fishing Association’s mission is to protect our community’s right to maintain the generational bonds to our precious shoreline areas,” said Blake McNaughton, the association’s president. “We are excited to lift up this kuleana for stewardship of Kawainui. We’ll be working to plan for the future of this ʻāina and look forward to engaging with the community of North Hilo around the restoration of this space.”

Funding for the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission program is supported by an annual 2% contribution from the county’s property tax revenues.

For more information about Kawainui Makai, view the 2024 PONC Annual Report.  

Under the program, the county may acquire properties to preserve historically or culturally important sites, protect natural resources, and provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains.  

Properties are nominated each year by the public, reviewed and ranked by the commission, and recommended by the mayor. Purchases require a willing seller and authorization by the County Council.