Founded in 2024, Pilikahakai Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported by owners along Kā‘anapali Beach established to perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture, promote environmental stewardship and sustainability, preserve Kā‘anapali Beach, and build a more resilient future for West Maui.
ABOUT US
Leadership with Deep Roots in West Maui: Executive Director Keolahou Hinau
A master chanter and kumu trained under Kumu Keliʻi Tauʻa, Keolahou Hinau has taught Hawaiian traditions at various institutions, including canoe clubs, schools, and hotels such as the Westin Nanea in Kā‘anapali, where he served as a cultural specialist. Born and raised in West Maui, he is the grandson of Betsy Hinau, a beloved musician and entertainer in Lahaina and the founder of Na Mele o Maui.
“The mission of Pilikahakai is to promote a more resilient West Maui and perpetuate cultural use and recreational access to Kā‘anapali Beach today and for future generations.”
MISSION STATEMENT
PARTNERS ARE KEY TO SUCCESS
IT TAKES AN OCEAN OF SUPPORT.
LEADERSHIP WITH DEEP WEST MAUI ROOTS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KEOLAHOU HINAU
Keolahou Hinau, Executive Director of Pilikahakai, has a deep background in Hawaiian cultural practices. He became a kumu in 2002, after training under Kumu Keliʻi Tauʻa. A master chanter, Keolahou has taught Hawaiian traditions at various institutions, including canoe clubs, schools, and hotels like the Westin Nanea in Kaʻanapali, where he served as a Cultural Specialist.
Currently, his focus is on non-profit work through Pilikahakai, aiming to enhance sustainability throughout West Maui, as well as supporting and preserving the Hawaiian cultural legacy. He is the grandson of Betsy Hinau, who was a well-known musician and entertainer in Lahaina, and the founder of Na Mele o Maui.
PILIKAHAKAI
FOUNDATION
Maui Inspired Stewardship
Pilikahakai Foundation aims to build a more resilient future for West Maui —culturally, environmentally, and economically
Contact Info
Have any questions?
Got something to share? email us at aloha@pilikahakai.org
© 2025 by Pilikahakai Foundation. Created by Bennet Group.