Next meeting: Thurs, Jan.15 at 5:00 p.m. Queen Emma Summer Palace - ALL WELCOME

Hui Mālama ‘Auwai O Nu‘uanu

Preserving and protecting our Native Hawaiian water systems

Announcements

Join us for our next ‘Auwai Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Queen Emma Summer Palace: 2913 Pali Hwy

Mahalo to everyone who continues to show up for our 'auwai meetings and for one another. As we look ahead, we’re coming together to talk story and make plans that will help our work remain strong and sustainable.

At this meeting, we’ll be discussing:

Practical plans for maintaining and caring for our auwai
Ways to better educate and share knowledge within our community
How we can organize ourselves so the work is shared, supported, and sustainable over time

This is a chance to listen, contribute, and help shape the path forward. Every voice and every manaʻo matters—this work has always grown through collective care beyond Nu’uanu Valley.

July 2025 Community Potluck

The Hui Mālama 'Auwai O Nu'uanu had a wonderful time coming together to share stories, tour the McKenney property, and meet new members of our 'auwai committee as well as remember the life and legacy of our founder Lynn Lalakea. Special thanks to Lynn's granddaughter Puanani for hosting!

From left to right: Puanani Lalakea (Daughter), Lynn Lalakea (Founder), and Lisa Wong (Current Coordinator)

In Loving Memory of

Lynn Lalakea

October 31, 1932 - February 24, 2025

Lynn (Carolyn) Lalakea passed away peacefully in her home on Dowsett Avenue. She was a beloved friend, neighbor, and community pillar. Lynn and her late husband Tom shared a lifelong commitment to preserving the history, culture, and legacy of the Nuʻuanu ʻauwai. Together, they founded Hui Mālama 'Auwai O Nu'uanu. Her quiet strength and deep aloha left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

E mālama ʻoe i ka ʻāina, e mālama ka ʻāina ia ʻoe.

Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.

➡️ Please click here to read the full article on the front page of the Star Advertiser.

MISSION

Our mission is to protect and preserve our Native Hawaiian water systems in Nu'uanu Valley, O'ahu through community education, collaboration, and advocacy efforts.

To join, please click here.

What is an 'auwai?

An 'auwai is a traditional Hawaiian irrigation system used to divert water from streams to lo'i kalo (taro patches) and other agricultural areas. These systems were carefully designed to distribute water fairly among farmers while maintaining a sustainable balance with the natural ecosystem. In traditional Hawaiian society, the management of the 'auwai was a communal responsibility ensuring that water use supported both agriculture and the health of the watershed.

Click to learn more.