Collaborative Excellence

Our Esteemed Partners

Meet the organizations who join us in our mission, bringing diverse expertise and resources to meet our coral restoration goals.

Inaugural Partners

Founding organizations providing leadership, operational, and financial support to the program.

Arizona State University’s Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science

The Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science at Arizona State University leads spatially-explicit scientific and technological research focused on mitigating and adapting to global environmental change. As lead partner for ʻĀkoʻakoʻa, ASU is responsible for enabling the program to reach its goals across science, community, culture, and government.

Division of Aquatic Resources

The Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is the State of Hawaiʻi’s governing agency in charge of managing the state’s aquatic resources and ecosystems. The Division’s mission is to work with the people of Hawai‘i to manage, conserve and restore the state’s unique aquatic resources and ecosystems for present and future generations.

Hawaiʻi Marine Education and Research Center

The Hawaiʻi Marine Education and Research Center (HawaiiMERC) facilitates education, conservation, and scientific investigation of the marine environment in the Hawaiian Islands, and is a major partner for ʻĀkoʻakoʻa’s community education and research in South Kona.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of the nation's ocean resources and their habitat. We provide vital services for the nation, all backed by sound science and an ecosystem-based approach to management.

Terraformation

Terraformation Hawai‘i aims to restore the islands’ forests to capture carbon and revitalize nature through native ecosystem restoration projects, seed banking, accessible technology, community engagement, and capacity building.

Collaborating Partners

Organizations supporting the restoration partnership from cultural, scientific, educational, and governmental perspectives.

Hui ‘Ohana O Hōnaunau

Hui ‘Ohana O Hōnaunau

Hui ‘Ohana O Hōnaunau is a community organization committed to upholding the cultural heritage of Hōnaunau.

Kalanihale

Kalanihale’s mission is to improve the educational, environmental, and cultural well-being of community members of Miloliʻi and South Kona.

Kauhakō Ohana Association

Kauhakō Ohana Association (KOA) is a community nonprofit formed by lineal descendants of the Kauhakō/Ho’okena ahupua’a, South Kona, Hawaiʻi Island. Our mission is to perpetuate the Ho’okena ‘Ōpelu Canoe Fishing Culture through sustainable and appropriate resource management.

Malama Kai Foundation

Malama Kai Foundation

We help sustain Hawaiʻi's coastal and marine resources for current and future generations. Working together with our partners, we enhance marine and coastal protection in Hawaiʻi through education, outreach, and support of community-based resource management.

Nā Kālai Waʻa

Nā Kālai Waʻa

He waʻa he moku, he moku he waʻa. The canoe is an island, the island is a canoe. Our vision is to protect, perpetuate and honor the indigenous Hawaiian traditions and practices of waʻa (canoe) culture through the Makaliʻi voyaging canoe programs, for the past, present and future generations.

The Kohala Center

The Kohala Center

The Kohala Center is an independent, community-based nonprofit focused on research, education, and ‘āina stewardship for healthier ecosystems. By turning ancestral knowledge and research into daily practice, we cultivate conditions that reconnect us with our place, water, food, and people, so that communities in Hawai‘i and around the world can thrive—ecologically, culturally, economically, and socially.

Financial Support

ʻĀkoʻakoʻa is made possible through financial support provided by the Dorrance Family and Dorrance Family Foundation, Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Arizona State University as well as in-kind support by our collaborating partners.