Kauhakō 'Ohana Association (KOA) is a 501 c3 community nonprofit
formed by lineal descendants of the Kauhakō/Ho’okena ahupua’a, South Kona, Hawaii Island.
Mission:
Perpetuate cultural traditions through sustainable and appropriate resource management
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Brief History of Kauhakō/Hoʹokena:
Hoʹokena Beach, as it is known today, is in the ahupuaʹa of Kauhakō(Ka-uha-ko). In ancient times, the chief of that area Kauhakō, was cruel to his people. They rebelled and killed him, dragging his body along the trail at Palianihi until his intestines spilled out. The daughter of Kauhakō was named Hoʹokena.
Today the beach at Kauhakō Bay is called Hoʹokena. The ‘ōpelu fishing waʹa (canoes) sitting on the black sands are a testimony to a rich and vibrant history of the families who have traditionally fished and survived from the bounty that the ocean has provided.
The black sand beach at Kauhakō was stewarded by the Uhaihao/Alani ohana, whose ownership was lost through eminent domain. Their attempts to resist this unethical policy were obstructed by the threat of land condemnation. The waʹa are their legacy connecting them to the ʹaina.
Ho'okena Outrigger Canoe Ono Fishing Tournament
The annual Ho’okena Canoe Ono Fishing Tournament started in 1985 when a group of fishermen from Ho’okena thought of the idea of a trolling for ono tournament between the fishing communities of Napo’opo’o, Honaunau, Ho’okena, and Miloli’I using only outrigger canoes. There were over twenty entries that first tournament but the number of canoes has declined over the years. The other fishing villages have discontinued use of their canoes, except for Ho’okena and a couple of fishermen from mauka. This special event is our way of honoring our kupuna who taught us the value of lawai'a pono and instilled in us a deep respect for our one hānau
Ono Tournament Lawai'a
1st Annual Ho'okena Wahine Canoe
Ono Fishing Tournament
The Ho'okena community held the first ever Wahine Canoe Fishing Tournament on April 23, 2022. It was organized by Emily Alani who was one of the participants in this groundbreaking event. Three canoes with six wahine lawaia went out to continue a tradition that sets Ho'okena apart from all other fishing communities.
‘Ᾱina Momona
Ho'okena is known for it's "fat" manini that doesn't curl in the frying pan
Āina Momona - abundant and healthy ecological systems in Hawaiʻi that contribute to community well-being.
Holoholo wa'a
This annual event will help us to continue the tradition of ‘ōpelu canoe fishing
Our keiki learn how to fish and will someday be able to feed their family using skills passed down from their makua and kupuna
