Waimea Valley, Oʻahu Celebrate 20 Years of Preservation on Earth Day
IMMEDAITE RELEASE: (Haleʻiwa, Hawaiʻi, April 25, 2026) This Earth Day at Waimea Valley was especially meaningful as our North Shore community continues to recover from the recent Kona Low storms and flooding that impacted so many across the region.
In the face of challenging times, the Lā Honua Earth Day event became a powerful remainder of what makes this community so special- people coming together with a shared passion for mālama ʻāina, cultural preservation, and giving back.
As part of Waimea Valley’ 20th year of preservation, volunteers from across the island joined us for a morning of service dedicated to restoring and caring for the Valley. With all volunteers sharing a common commitment to stewardship, we completed 10 major service projects throughout the Valley.
Projects included restoring and maintaining the ponds that were impacted by flooding during the Kona Low storms. These ponds serve as a critical habitat for the endangered ʻalae ʻula Hawaiian Moorhen, an endemic native Hawaiian species listed on the endangered species list.
Additional projects focused on preserving Waimea Valley’s authentic archeological and cultural sites, maintaining our Kauhale gardens, and caring for the agricultural terraces that have existed here for over 300 years.
We were grateful to welcome over 150 volunteers who contributed more than 380 hours of service in support of preserving this special place.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to help restore and mālama Waimea Valley,” Executive Director of Waimea Valley Richard Pezzulo said. “Especially during challenging times on the North Shore, seeing our community still make time to give back shows the true heart of aloha. We felt so much love and support, and we sincerely thank everyone for helping us preserve this special place for future generations.”
Following the volunteer projects, the day concluded with lunch provided by our generous sponsor GeoTech Solutions and a wonderful celebration at the Sustainability Village featuring community information booths from:
• Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership
• Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Hawaii
• I Nui Ke Aho | Wanana Paoa
Guests also enjoyed a memorable cultural performance by Ka Pa Nani O Lilinoe led by Kumu Hula Lilinoe Lindsey, bringing the day to a beautiful and meaningful close.
At Waimea Valley, Earth Day is never just one day—it’s a part of our daily commitment to mālama ʻāina, cultural preservation, and community stewardship. We welcome the comminuty to contunue givign back by scheduleing a volunteer experience or jpoing one of our regular volutneer opportnies at: www.waimeavalley.net/volunteer
Mahalo for helping us sharwe this story of resilience, restoration, and community.
Interview opportunities will be available upon request.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kimberly Anguiano
818-606-2642
kanguiano@waimeavalley.net
About Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley is a sacred and historically significant ahupuaʻa on Oʻahu’s North Shore, stewarded as a living cultural landscape that celebrates Hawaiian history, traditions, and natural resources. Encompassing 1,875 acres from the mountains to the sea, Waimea Valley is home to important archeological cultural sites, native and introduced botanical collections, and the iconic Waimea Falls. Through cultural education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, Waimea Valley is committed to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture for generations while providing a safe and enriching experience for kamaʻāina and visitors alike.
@waimeavalleyoahu
About Hiʻipaka LLC
Hiʻipaka LLC is a Native Hawaiian nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the cultural, natural, and historical resources of Waimea Valley. As the organization entrusted with the management of Waimea Valley, Hiʻipaka works in close partnership with community stakeholders, cultural practitioners, and public and private partners to ensure the Valley remains a place of learning, healing, and connection. Hiʻipaka’s mission is grounded in mālama ʻāina, cultural integrity, and long-term sustainability for the benefit of the lāhui and future generations.