Since April 23, 2004, the Kailapa Community Association (KCA) has served the Kailapa Hawaiian Homestead community and one other neighboring Hawaiian Homestead community at Puakaʻilima in Kohala.

MISSION

To empower Native Hawaiians living in Kohala, specifically the Kailapa Community, supporting physical, mental, spiritual, and cultural health of people and place.

VISION

Ehuehu I Ka Pono – Thrive in balance

GOALS

• Build community self-sufficiency and independence through social economic development.
• Educate and strengthen the cultural identity and self- esteem by facilitating opportunities to learn, practice, and share Hawaiian knowledge of history, culture, values, and traditional practices.
• Preserve and protect our natural environment through stewardship of our islands and resources that are appropriate to traditional practice and perspective.
• Strengthen and engage community relationships and encourage active participation in issues that impact Native Hawaiian culture, resources, health, wellness, and lands.

Community Composition

Since its establishment by the Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands in the Kawaihae ahupua‘a of the North Kohala District on Hawai‘i island in 1996, the Kailapa Hawaiian Homestead residential subdivision has consisted of 191 lots on 180 acres, which average 32,000 square feet in size. Per the U.S. Census in 2010, Kailapa had a population of 407 residents, of whom an estimated 75 to 80 were children under 18 years of age. As of today, the community has approximately 150 homes and over 500 residents, most of whom built their homes themselves through various programs such as Habitat for Humanity. They have experienced various challenges, but our community remains strong, resilient, and committed to a thriving future for our ʻohana