The Partners of Heʻeia State Park

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At Kamaʻāina Kids, we recognize the historical and cultural significance of Heʻeia State Park. Therefore, we feel it is our duty, as stewards of Heʻeia, to develop strong relationships and partnerships with others in the community, who are committed to the preservation and perpetuation of the existing natural qualities and opportunities unique to Lae O Ke Alohi and the Kāneʻohe Bay environs. The Partners of Heʻeia work collaboratively to ensure the future of Heʻeia State Park remains a link between man and the sea by providing a safe, clean, public outdoor recreation area for environmental and cultural awareness and preservation.

We are always open to new partnerships and ideas on how to better serve our community and ensure Heʻeia State Park is sustainable and preserved for future generations.

Current Partners

Hui o Koʻolaupoko Hui o Koʻolaupoko (HOK) is a 501(c)3 non-profit watershed management group established in 2007 to work with communities to improve water quality through ecosystem restoration and storm water management, focusing specifically in the Koʻolaupoko region – from Makapuʻu to Kualoa. HOK implements innovative, on-the-ground projects that effectively manage and protect water quality and natural resources in Hawaiʻi. HOK’s mission is to protect ocean health by restoring the ʻāina: mauka to makai.

Kāne'ohe Cultural Foundation

The Kāne'ohe Cultural Foundation, (KCF) is an organized "non-profit" effort of the Kaneohe Canoe Club, (KCC) which was originally established in 1973 along with the organization of the “Hui Wa’a” paddling league under the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association. The KCC initially began with 250 to 300 members from the Kāneʻohe-Kahaluʻu area on the island of Oʻahu under the direction of the very first Head Coach, Freeman Allen. From the original founders to their current status, KCC is still strong in paddling numbers with members coming from all over Hawaiʻi and at present they boast a seven year Championship reign in the "Hui Wa'a" paddling league on the island of Oʻahu.

Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy and the State are freeing Kāneʻohe Bay from the chokehold of invasive algae. Venture out on the water in Oʻahu's Kāneʻohe Bay and you are likely to see a pair of odd-looking boats called Super Suckers – giant, barge-mounted vacuum cleaners that suck invasive algae off the reef. For Kāneʻohe Bay, the Super Suckers are a game changer: the difference between returning its coral reefs to health or watching them succumb to the chokehold of invasive algae.

Pae Pae O Heʻeia Pae Pae o Heʻeia is a private non-profit organization dedicated to caring for Heʻeia Fishpond - an ancient Hawaiian fishpond located right next to Heʻeia State Park. Established in 2001, Paepae o Heʻeia works to build and maintain a thriving and abundant Heʻeia Fishpond for our community. Puʻakeʻa Foundation The Puʻakeʻa Foundation of Hawaiʻi, Inc. was founded in 2005 in honor of Bobby Puʻakeʻa, aka Uncle Bobby. The foundation is dedicated to preserving Pacific Island Canoe Culture.

Kamaʻāina Kids

Kamaʻāina Kids is a private, non-profit, multi-service organization that started as a day camp of 45 children at Heeia State Park, in 1987. Our mission is to serve children, families and our communities by providing ongoing quality education and enrichment programs to help build a sense of Self, Community and Environment. In 2010, Kamaʻāina Kids was awarded a 25-year lease to manage and care for Heʻeia State Park by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

As stewards of Heʻeia State Park, Kamaʻāina Kids is proud to care for the land as a valuable resource for the community, and to offer educational programs that highlight the local culture and ecology in this special place that joins land and sea.