Hawaii County Acquires 81-Acre Coastal Property

The $6.2 million purchase will preserve the land in perpetuity for public use.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:31am

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Hawaii County has acquired an 81-acre coastal property known as Kawainui Makai through its Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Commission (PONC) program. The $6.2 million purchase will protect the land, which features a pebble beach and well-preserved estuary, from development and keep it in public hands forever.

Why it matters

This acquisition ensures that an ecologically and culturally significant coastal area in East Hawaii will be preserved for public recreational, cultural, and fishing access, rather than being developed privately. The purchase was made possible through advocacy from community members who recognized the importance of protecting this special place.

The details

The Kawainui Makai property is located in the ahupua'a of Kawainui and Onomea and was previously listed for sale, putting it at risk of development. With the county's purchase, the land will now be preserved in perpetuity. The county is exploring stewardship opportunities with local groups like the Makahanaloa Fishing Association to manage the property in a way that is led by the community.

  • The $6.2 million acquisition occurred on January 28, 2026.

The players

Hawaii County

The local government entity that purchased the 81-acre Kawainui Makai property through its PONC program.

Makahanaloa Fishing Association

A community group that will work with the county on stewardship and management of the acquired property to protect the community's generational bonds to the shoreline area.

Mayor Kimo Alameda

The mayor of Hawaii County who announced the acquisition and praised the community advocacy that made it possible.

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What they’re saying

“This purchase wouldn't be possible without the advocacy of community members who recognized its ecological and cultural importance. Because of their efforts, and the support of the previous owner, we are able to keep this special place in public hands forever.”

— Mayor Kimo Alameda

“Makahanaloa Fishing Association's mission is to protect our community's right to maintain the generational bonds to our precious shoreline areas. Thanks to the County of Hawaii, as well as the many folks who helped to advocate for this purchase, we now have that opportunity in perpetuity. We are excited to lift up this kuleana for stewardship of Kawainui. We'll be working to plan for the future of this 'aina and look forward to engaging with the community of North Hilo around the restoration of this space.”

— Blake McNaughton, President, Makahanaloa Fishing Association

What’s next

The county is exploring stewardship opportunities with partners like the Makahanaloa Fishing Association to ensure the management of the Kawainui Makai property is led by the community.

The takeaway

This acquisition demonstrates the power of community advocacy to protect ecologically and culturally significant lands from development, and the commitment of Hawaii County to preserve public access to its precious coastal resources.