Started by Locals. Led by Locals
A 501(c)3 Non-Profit Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO)
Rooted in Kaʻū. Built on Heritage. Driven by Purpose.
Drive real change — join forces with Native Hawaiians committed to building a stronger Hawaii.
The Mālama Kaʻū Foundation was born out of a deep love for our home, our people, and our culture. Rooted in the rugged yet beautiful Kaʻū District on the Big Island of Hawaii, our nonprofit Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) was established to uplift our community, preserve our heritage, and ensure future generations can thrive where our ancestors once walked.
Native Hawaiian Ancestry
Our Kuleana
As Board of Directors, we pledge to:
Honor & Preserve — Protect our Native Hawaiian traditions, knowledge, and cultural legacy for future generations.
Serve with Integrity — Act with accountability, transparency, and aloha in all decisions.
Uplift Community — Support programs that strengthen our ʻohana, land, and people.
Get in touch with us to learn more.
Contact UsOur "Give Back"
Funding & Programs
Investing in Our People - Lead Metrics
Total funds donated annually to invest in our people and community.
Number of programs funded each year across education, health, and economic opportunity.
Percentage of funding directly impacting Kaʻū and Native Hawaiian communities.
How We Measure Progress - Lag Metrics
Total funds donated annually to invest in our people and community
- Impact:Measure how these funds improve access to education, health, and economic opportunities.
Number of programs funded each year across education, health, and economic opportunity
- Impact:Track program outcomes such as graduation rates, health improvements, or new job placements.
Percentage of funding directly impacting Kaʻū and Native Hawaiian communities
- Impact:Monitor growth in local self-sufficiency, including families and businesses reporting greater stability and resilience.
Cultural Preservation
Honoring Our Past, Protecting Our Legacy
Funding allocated annually to cultural events, language programs, and historical site preservation.
Number of cultural education programs and workshops delivered each year for youth and community members.
Total number of cultural events and traditions supported annually by the foundation.
How We Measure Progress
Funding allocated annually to cultural events, language programs, and historical site preservation.
- Impact: Growth in cultural preservation projects completed and sustained.
Number of cultural education programs and workshops delivered each year for youth and community members.
- Impact: Increased fluency, knowledge, and practice of Native Hawaiian traditions and language.
Total number of cultural events and traditions supported annually by the foundation.
- Impact: Strengthened community pride, identity, and participation in Native Hawaiian culture.
Workforce Development
Creating Local Jobs, Keeping Families in Hawaii
Total funding invested annually in workforce training, internships, and apprenticeships.
Number of participants enrolled in workforce development programs each year.
Number of partnerships established with schools, employers, and training organizations to expand opportunities.
How We Measure Progress
Total funding invested annually in workforce training, internships, and apprenticeships.
- Impact: Increased job placements and long-term career advancement for Native Hawaiians.
Number of participants enrolled in workforce development programs each year.
- Impact: Higher employment rates and reduced out-migration from Kaʻū due to local opportunities.
Number of partnerships established with schools, employers, and training organizations.
- Impact: Growth of locally sustained career pathways and stronger community-based workforce pipelines.
Why Our NHO Is Different
We are led by Native Hawaiians born and raised on these islands, with lineages stretching back generations. Many of us built successful careers in the military and on the mainland, and now it’s our turn to give back to the next generation.
The Mālama Kaʻū Foundation is not just another NHO formed to inherit “super 8(a)” status. Our board serves with purpose: to honor our culture, uplift our people, and ensure that the profits generated by our NHO-owned 8(a) subsidiaries deliver lasting benefits to Native Hawaiians living in the state of Hawaii.
To protect that mission, the Malama Ka’u Foundation will always be controlled and led by Native Hawaiians certified through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) Hawaiian Registry Program (HRP). The HRP is responsible for verifying Native Hawaiian ancestry through biological lineage, and issues official Hawaiian Registry Cards once ancestry is confirmed. This ensures our governance remains authentically Native Hawaiian — by lineage, by tradition, and by purpose.
Every contract secured strengthens our local economy, supports Native Hawaiian families, and keeps our community rooted in these islands.
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Impact Metrics
Increase in graduation rates, health improvements, or new job placements.
Hundreds of Jobs
Created & Sustained in Hawaii
Growth in cultural preservation projects completed and sustained.
Every Success Story Begins with Community
Let’s Create Lasting Impact Together
Join us in building opportunities for Native Hawaiians while delivering mission-ready solutions for the nation.
