Wailua Homesteads Park
Māla Lāʻau | Community Forest Garden
Wailua Homesteads Park
390 Kamalu Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
We are in planting phase one with strong community support and monthly workdays on the second Sunday from 9-11AM. All are welcome to join and see the garden taking shape
In 2024, we signed a stewardship agreement with the County.
The Mala La'au Project is located in a peaceful corner of Wailua Homesteads Park, bordered by Kalama Stream. This 0.6-acre site, overgrown with Guinea grass, Hau bush, invasive African Tulip trees, and lawn, was cleared with help from our volunteers and The County of Kauai to make way for the forest garden.
Through the Mala La'au project, we aim to honor Wailua's history while creating a space for today's residents. By blending ancient wisdom with a vibrant, welcoming environment, we hope to foster a place where families can reconnect with nature, culture, and each other.
Project Overview
As we bring the Mala La'au Project to Wailua Homesteads Park, we remain committed to the thoughtful approach that has guided us from the start. Our goal is to create spaces that grow stronger and more self-sustaining over time-like a thriving forest.
This new forest garden is envisioned as more than a collection of plants. It's a gathering place for the community to connect with the land and each other. By planting native trees and culturally significant species, we aim to honor Wailua's history and spirit while providing practical benefits like food, medicine, and shade.
At the heart of this project are the people who help it grow. Whether you're an experienced gardener or simply curious, we invite you to join us. Your involvement-through questions, hands in the soil, or simply being part of the process-will make this garden a true reflection of the Wailua community.
Together, we can create a space that belongs to all of us-a meeting point of past and future, tradition and daily life, nature and community. We're excited for the journey ahead and look forward to building this vision together.
About the Location
Wailua Homesteads Park is more than a green space-it's a living thread in Wailua's rich cultural tapestry. Nestled within Wailuanuiaho'ano (the Great Sacred Wailua). this area has been a cornerstone of Kaua'i's history for generations. With its fertile lands, ocean access, and calm river, Wailua has long been a place where people gather, grow food, launch canoes, and build community.
Once a hub of political and spiritual life, this region was chosen by ali'i (chiefs) for its strategic location and abundant resources. Along the river, ancient heiau (places of worship) still stand, bearing witness to the enduring cultural connections that continue to shape the community.
How it all began
To ensure everyone had a chance to share their thoughts on the Mala La`au Project, we used diverse outreach methods for our survey conducted from June 19 to July 20, 2024.