The Kaua ʻĀina Charitable Trust is a charitable land trust committed to restoring, protecting, and facilitating a deeper connection between our people and the ʻāina. Stewardship is not about ownership, but about kuleana—the shared responsibility to care for the land so that it thrives for generations to come.

Each parcel is unique, and our role is to support and empower the community in its stewardship efforts, ensuring that restoration aligns with both the land’s needs and local involvement. Some lands require dedicated caretakers, while others rely primarily on community volunteers, and most often, it’s a collaboration of both. For example, a property may host a resident caretaker responsible for daily well-being, while larger restoration projects—such as clearing access to cultural sites, removing invasive species, and reintroducing native plants—are driven by the collective efforts of the community.

We believe the land should be cared for by those who cherish and rely on it, rather than being driven by private commercial profit or detached government policies. Our goal is to keep ʻāina in the hands of the people through the following efforts: