The Trust for Public Land transferred ownership and stewardship of Kiolakaʻa in Kaʻū to Ala Kahakai Trail Association, a Native Hawaiian nonprofit.

Protecting Kiolakaʻa maintains miles of open space and public access to coastal lands surrounding Kaʻaluʻalu Bay and Kapenako fresh water spring, a complex of anchialine ponds, as well as important cultural sites including a section of the Ala Kahakai Trail.

Under the Ala Kahakai Trail Association’s stewardship, Kiolakaʻa’s historic ranch lands will be protected, ensuring Kaʻū’s paniolo history is perpetuated. Cattle ranching will continue to fuel the area’s economy, supporting local jobs and food security. Community members are welcome to steward precious cultural resources and continue subsistence fishing, gathering and cultural practices in the area.

Including Kiolakaʻa, Trust for Public Land’s completed and in-progress projects have protected more than 24,000 acres surrounding the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile trail traversing many storied landscapes throughout Hawaiʻi Island.

To learn more about Trust for Public Land visit tpl.org/hawaii.

(Photo credit: Shalan Crysdale, Nature Conservancy)