About Ka'u
Vast, rugged and isolated, the island of Hawaii’s southernmost region, Kaʻū, is a quiet area free of hotels, resorts and golf courses. It’s home to the small towns of Nāʻālehu and Pāhala and home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It’s a place of natural wonders where you can witness the growth of the island right before your eyes.
Ka’u also boasts many different environments including some of the rarest in the world. The uninhabited and rugged coastline is diverse, with much of the area being lava rocks and where the land meets the sea in a violent manner.At Ka Lae (South Point) you can spend the day on a green sand beach or jump from the 40-foot cliffs into clear blue water, where every year major spearfishing tournaments are held. You can swim with Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins in Ka'u's Pohue Bay, or watch the endangered green sea turtles swimming in to sleep in the freshwater ponds at Honu'apo. You can surf the sunlit pounding waves at Kawa' or lay in the sand at Punalu’u black sand beach.
There is no other place on this planet like our hometown!
Kīlauea, located in the Ka'u district on the Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. From January 3, 1983, to 2018, Kīlauea experienced its longest eruption in modern history, marking one of the longest eruptions ever documented globally. However, centuries before this event, the Ailaʻau eruption, which began around 1410, lasted approximately 60 years, ending in 1470.Kīlauea is also regarded as the embodiment of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. Pele's presence in the volcano is a vital part of Hawaiian mythology, symbolizing the power and unpredictability of volcanic activity on the islands.
Our Impact in Ka'u
At Malama Ka’u Foundation, our mission is to preserve and perpetuate the cultural heritage of Ka’u and its people while promoting sustainable and community-based development. With the help of our volunteer staff and generous donors, we have been able to make a positive impact in the lives of many locals including providing access to quality healthcare, education, and cultural programs.
Quality Care
We provide access to quality healthcare, education, and cultural programs to the locals of Ka'u.
Sustainable Future
We continuously strive to create a better, more sustainable future for the people of Ka'u.