Back in 1975 this dance of life inspired Hawai’i born Earnest Morgan, Trina Nahm-Mijo, and malihini (newcomer) me (Richard Koob), to found Kalanihonua.  With archaeologists and kanaka maoli (native) "Uncle" Kini Pe’a (President, Kalapana Community Organization) we preserved the heiau (temple) and halau (school) sites, where Kini’s mother was, in 1900, the last teacher.  With the Hawai’i County Planning Department we obtained the two special use approvals to operate an educational center for nature, culture, wellness, and sustainable living advancement.   Named by kūpuna (elder Hawaiians), this Kalanihonua, heaven-earth harmony of spiritual and physical, served for nearly 40 years managing the properties and providing programs.  

Over the decades many wonderful individuals and group leaders became ‘ohana, i.e. extend family.  My parents plus fellow siblings, staff and friends all pitched in with sewing, cooking, mowing, teaching, building, plus planting cocos, pines, avocados, mangos, bananas, papayas, lawns and pasture throughout what became a 120 acre educational campus.  Since year 2000, over twenty steward-investors have joined the collaboration, adding twenty-eight lovely cottages -- a doubling of accommodations capacity.  Amenities that helped Kalanihonua advance as the Aloha State’s leading holistic eco-center include stellar food services; three assembly spaces; four workshop studios; 50 optional activities per week, 25 meter pool with spas; massage and yoga certification programs; laundry; crafts, gifts and grocery supplies.  Since the nearby May, 2018, lava flows the offerings of the land here are more simple and affordable, while the Puna district has continued to grow and offer many of the amenities previously provided here. So come enjoy peaceful, relaxing, agricultural environment.  Here in the Ocean Vista area’s farm dwellings there are kitchens for shared use with visitors, and nearby arts and athletic activities that I can introduce you to.