Kailua, HI

HOOKUAAINA (Hoʻokuaʻāina)

EIN 45-2517616

Education & Youth Development Language, Culture & Exchange Indigenous communities Children & youth

Mission

To cultivate a culture of individual well-being and community waiwai through aloha ʻāina.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

About HOOKUAAINA (Hoʻokuaʻāina)

EIN 45-2517616 has been confirmed as Hookuaaina (doing business as Hoʻokuaʻāina), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Kailua, Oʻahu. The organization operates an ʻāina-based learning and restoration site in Maunawili focused on kalo (taro) cultivation, cultural practice, and community healing.

Hoʻokuaʻāina runs hands-on programs for keiki, at-risk youth, apprentices, and community volunteers. Its core program areas — education (Kupuohi), mentoring (Kūkuluhou), community workdays (Kaiāulu), and farm production (Kalo & Poi) — combine ancestral Hawaiian practices with modern stewardship to produce food, workforce training, and cultural revitalization.

Over the last several years the organization has expanded programming and partnerships (including a college apprenticeship pathway), increased farm production and community engagement, and participated in state and foundation-supported land stewardship initiatives to protect Maunawili and surrounding ahupuaʻa.

Notable achievements

Large-scale kalo production

Maintains multiple loʻi and produces a substantial annual kalo harvest (tens of thousands of pounds per year), using traditional cultivation methods to supply community programs and support financial sustainability.

Stewardship expansion

Played a central role in a community-driven effort to secure and steward additional Maunawili lands, positioning the organization to manage a significantly larger area of watershed and agricultural resources for long-term restoration.

Ahupuaʻa Systems Apprenticeship (ASA)

Operates a formal apprenticeship and internship pathway in partnership with Windward Community College that provides tuition support, stipends, practical ʻāina experience, and a pathway to higher education and employment for young people.

At a glance

Total assets: $1.6M
Annual revenue: $1.1M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 45-2517616
Location: Kailua, HI
Website: hookuaaina.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Received multi-year grant support from major Hawai‘i funders, including Hawaii Community Foundation and private foundations, reflecting institutional philanthropic backing.

Featured in regional media and sector publications for its model of cultural-based education, land stewardship, and youth mentorship.

Included in state land-conservation and legacy-land grant processes as a community steward and grantee partner, reflecting recognition by public land and natural resources entities.

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