Keauhou Bay Management Plan

Existing Uses and Key Features on KS Keauhou Lands

 

Keauhou Bay Management Plan Recommendations

The Keauhou Bay Management Plan (KBMP) is a long-term management and land use plan that guides and prioritizes actions for the future planning, improvement, and operational use of approximately 32 acres of Kamehameha Schools (KS) lands in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, as well as 22 acres currently under lease to the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa.

Purpose of Management Plan

The Keauhou Bay area is of great importance to KS for its rich cultural and heritage resources, ocean recreational opportunities and precious coastal environment, and existing residential and resort community.

Additionally, KS has a specific commitment to protect and preserve the historic sites in the area, including the birth site of Kamehameha III, Mo‘ikeha Cave, Ho‘okūkū Pond, the former grounds of Ka Holua o Kaneaka, and other areas of significance.

Furthermore, as one of the major landowners at Keauhou Bay, KS has a responsibility to appropriately manage its lands in a manner that does not increase congestion or conflict of competing uses along the bay front, as well as proactively address ongoing illegal access and other unauthorized activities.

Existing Conditions

Current usage of these lands include:

• A cultural heritage managed area for the Kamehameha III birth site and adjacent wahi kūpuna (storied place) sites
• Hawaiian culture-based education programs offered by KS and other community collaborators
• Recreational and commercial use of ocean activities  
• Park and open space
• Vehicle parking and boat trailer storage

Goals

The goals of the KBMP are still being identified through a consultation process. However, the plan and associated activities will align with the KS’ Vision 2040 <link>, Strategic Map 2025 <link) and educational mission. At this early stage, the main areas of focus include:

• Establish and expand place–based cultural stewardship activities to effectively cultivate a strong Native Hawaiian identity.
• Engage in high–quality and meaningful educational experiences that include collaboration with other community organizational partners.
• Nurture a positive enduring relationship with community organizations and individuals within the Keauhou Bay region that share similar mission, values, and a commitment to education, ‘āina, and culture.
• Optimize and invest in revenue opportunities that align to the betterment of its beneficiaries and the prudent management of its assets to provide long-term economic returns.

For any questions, please contact Serge Krivatsy.