Rooted in tradition. Guided by kuleana. Building mastery.
Our Mo'olelo
Waipilihoa Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based on Molokai, committed to strengthening the cultural and political foundations of Hawaiian society through two interconnected missions:
Restore Lineage-Based Roles in the 'Ohana, Kauhale and Ahupuaʻa
We work to revitalize the traditional systems of ʻohana, governance, and land stewardship by restoring lineage-based roles and responsibilities that connect families to place, kuleana, and decision-making. These systems continue to exist, but face increasing vulnerability after generations of disruption.
Reorganize Hālau of Practitioners
We support the reorganization and protection of hālau—the traditional spaces where Hawaiian professions are cultivated. By ensuring the succession of skilled practitioners and the transmission of ancestral knowledge, we help secure the future of our cultural practices and community leadership.
Our Approach
Born from the need to reclaim ancestral authority, Waipilihoa reconnects practice, practitioner, and place through community-led education, cultural integrity, and kuleana. We believe that by restoring these systems of governance and practice, we can regenerate the abundance, well-being, and resilience of our island community.
WAI. PILI. HOA.
Waipilihoa is named for the companions Kāne and Kanaloa who summoned fresh water springs to Molokai's Kona areas as a reward for the community's stewardship, generosity and hospitality. It also references the moena pāwehe of chief 'Īloli, a finely woven mat that represents our community coming together, the black stripes of pule and ceremony. It is framed by the pillars of the lele ho'okupu that are also the 'ō'ō digging sticks of Kāne and Kanaloa. The kukui leaf of Lanikāula places enlightenment and kapu at the piko. A lei kālina, or 'uala vine crowns the lele. It features a pewa in the center to represent healing and unification. The lei extends out with hala fruit to indicate the past, and 'ihe tips to forge into our future. All the symbols inspire our community to build a structure of discipline, kapu, wisdom, practice, respect, excellence and abundance.
OLA MOLOKAI! OLA MOLOKA'I!
Kauhale of Practice
Waipilihoa Inc builds and sustains pathways for traditional Hawaiian professions on Molokai. From practitioner networks to haumāna mentorship, we are restoring systems of knowledge, training, and place-based practice rooted in ancestral values and community leadership. We are not starting from scratch, this is not a new idea. We are going back to the way we used to do things, so Molokai NUI a Hina remains as great as he always has been.
It all starts with the mo'olelo. Each kauhale is named for someone or something kaulana in Molokai mo'olelo, that inspires the character, values, and practices we strive to achieve mastery in.
Nāula
Self Reliance and Relationships
Nāula was a Makahiki runner from Kalaupapa, who brought one of his mother's famous 'iwa'iwa fern lei for his sweetheart, eventually leading to the spread of the ferns from the uplands of Kīpū to the south shore of Pālā'au. He is known for his commitment to care for his beloved by preparing every necessary provision.
This kauhale includes the practices related to competitions, self reliance, education, home furnishings, hand craft arts and pilikua-pilialo.
Ha'eha'ekū
Abundance and Wealth
Ha'eha'ekū was bullied as a child but returns to kōkua the famine struck people of Ho'olehua by carrying water from ma uka to their fields. His only request was for the people to share the food fairly with one another, which they failed to do, resulting in a lasting ha'awina of aloha.
This kauhale includes food production, hospitality, water and irrigation, and general resource management.
Ku'una
Healing and Balance
Ku'una was a kāula and a kahuna lā'au lapa'au who relied on her gifts to heal people physically and spiritually. She carved her premonition of the coming of the white man into the sandstone at Awalau, called kālaina wāwae as a warning for the people of Molokai.
This kauhale includes all physical, emotional, spiritual and mental healing practices, 'ike pāpālua, wānana and ceremony.
Pāka'a
Preservation
Pāka'a left the service of Keawenuia'Umi to bring his 'ohana to Molokai after several kahuna plotted against him. They came to retrieve him but met his son KūaPāka'a instead.
This kauhale includes 'ōlelo Hawai'i, storytelling, performing arts, music, film production, media, hospitality protocols, ocean activities and seafaring.
Leialoha
Life Cycles
Leialoha refers to the complete circle of life, from mauli ola, first breath at birth to mauli 'awa, the last breath at death. Named for Kaleialohaokalāhui of Pelekunu.
This kauhale includes birth and death practices, 'ohana inclusion, transition, reconnection and genealogy.
Kealapūpū
Community Engagement
The shell and coral lined trails of west Molokai provided passage across all the districts. Even at night, the markers were illuminated by moonlight, providing safety under any conditions.
This kauhale includes anything governance or leadership related, social justice, advocacy, resource allocation and collaboration on every level.