Who We Are

Mission

Our Mission

To preserve and perpetuate the history, native culture and environment of Hawai’i through education and stewarship of Kamananui Valley and celebration of the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival.

Our Vision

By preserving and protecting this wahi pana, and perpetuating the native culture of Hawaiʻi, we hope to continue building a thriving community empowered through a vibrant watershed.

Our History

Founded in 1970, Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) has served as a vital link in preserving and protecting the environment and cultural resources of Hawai’i. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, our mission is

“To preserve and perpetuate the history, native culture and environment of Hawai’i through education and stewardship of Kamananui Valley and celebration of the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival.”

For over five decades, MGF has pioneered programs to help people understand and appreciate the unique environmental and cultural resources of our islands. This knowledge is essential to developing informed stewards who will protect and preserve our fragile and vulnerable ‘Āina.

In recent years, MGF has focused on educational and stewardship activities for Kamananui Valley. Our Mālama Kamananui Environmental Education Program includes experiential learning activities for all grade levels and we are developing a comprehensive Management Plan for the protection, preservation and management of Kamananui Valley.

Our Origins

Ahupuaʻa

This was the basic land structure in ancient times. When people asked you where you came from it was your Ahupuaʻa you declared. The varied climatic conditions gave them wet environments on windward sides, and dry on leeward sides. Most were shaped by the mountain valleys that spilled onto the plains until reaching the seashore. Moanalua is unique as it contains two valleys, a large plain and a very large seashore reef. Hawaiians were able to survive completely sustained by their ahupuaʻa so that some inhabitants lived their entire lives without ever leaving the boundaries.

Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai

Send Love out, and Love returns