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!