Hawai‘i County purchases Honolulu Landing along Big Island’s Puna coast

The County of Hawaiʻi has completed the purchase of Honolulu Landing, a 364-acre parcel on the Puna coast first identified for preservation 20 years ago.

The $3.7 million acquisition occurred through the county’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) program. The property, recently listed for sale, was recommended for purchase in the first PONC report completed in 2006, according to a news release from Hawai‘i County, Thursday, May 14.

“The purchase of Honolulu Landing through the PONC program will preserve this land in perpetuity, ensuring that we protect natural and cultural sites and ocean access along the Puna coast,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda.

The mayor went on to express his gratitude to the community members who advocated for the preservation of this land for the public benefit.

The acquisition marks the Alameda administration’s fourth PONC purchase in the last 18 months and follows a successful County Council resolution advanced by Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz.

According to the resolution, the property is located between the old coastal village of Waiakahiʻula and the Nānāwale Forest Reserve. A 2004 survey at Honolulu Landing documented ancient burial sites, village complexes, heiau, house platforms, rock walls, ahu and planting areas at the property. Natural resources include freshwater springs, groves of hala, kukui and hau trees, and habitats for endangered native species such as the ʻio (Hawaiian hawk), ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat), and pueo (Hawaiian owl).

“We worked with then-Council member Naeole in 2006 to place Honolulu Landing on the very first PONC list and, on behalf of the lineal descendants of Honolulu Landing, we extend our deepest gratitude to Mayor Kimo Alameda, and to Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz for their leadership and commitment in advancing this Resolution to its successful outcome,” said Eileen O’Hara, Executive Director of Malama O Puna.

Lineal descendant Lehua Kaulukukui added, “Honolulu Landing holds the legacy of our Tūtū, Mary Kaui Moke Kuamoʻo Keliʻipio, and generations of ʻohana before her who lived in deep alignment with this ʻāina.”

“As stewards of this legacy, our Keliʻipio-Kuamoʻo Foundation is committed to broadening awareness and deepening community engagement within this treasured ahupuaʻa,” said Lilinoe Keliʻipio Young. “We will work to uplift and reintroduce traditional practices of mālama ʻāina — rooted in balance, reciprocity, and sustainability — as lived by our ancestors.”

Funding for PONC is supported by an annual 2% contribution from the county’s property tax revenues.

Under PONC, 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.