Mālama Pa’akea o Waimalu

Mālama Paʻakea o Waimalu (MPOW) works with community partners to restore and protect the last remaining Royal Fishponds of Puʻuloa, in the area also known as Pearl Harbor. Constructed over 400 years ago, the fishpond complex stretches two miles from Waimalu to Kalauao and is the legacy of Mōʻi Wahine Kalanimanuʻia, the second female ruler of Oahu. MPOW and its partner organizations co-steward sacred sites including Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau and Loko Iʻa Paʻakea by providing cultural preservation, environmental restoration, education, and community engagement.

With the change in land use from ‘Aiea to Waimalu rapidly erasing ancient history, MPOW and its partner organizations identified the need for a comprehensive historical archive to preserve the stories of the Royal Fishponds and to document restoration efforts. A grant from the Cooke Foundation and community support allowed MPOW volunteers and researchers to gather materials from archives, libraries, oral histories, community collections and community events to create an extensive physical and digital archive. The project engaged more than 500 multi-generational community members and resulted in a living and publicly accessible archive containing over 722 photographs, maps, documents, stories, and videos. By preserving and sharing this knowledge, the project reconnects the community to its ancient significance, strengthens ongoing restoration efforts, and increases worldwide awareness of Puʻuloa’s Native Hawaiian cultural and historical significance.

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