Honoring a Hawaiian voice in the diaspora and the work it uplifts
How do we stay rooted in aloha ʻāina—love and responsibility to the land—when we live thousands of miles from home?
In April, our community gathered for a session on the ahupuaʻa* system with our friends at Exchange Avenue. As part of that gathering, attendees who created an Exchange Avenue account were entered into a giveaway to direct a $100 donation to any ʻāina-based organization. Our winner, Leilani—a Native Hawaiian student living in the diaspora—chose ʻĀina Momona. Her manaʻo* reminded us how powerful it is to feel seen, guided, and accountable through the work of people caring for Hawaiʻi back home.
From fishpond restoration to water justice, ʻĀina Momona protects the resources and wisdom that sustain our lāhui.
ʻĀina Momona (“fertile/rich land”) is a Native Hawaiian organization based at Keawanui Fishpond on Molokaʻi. Guided by ancestral knowledge and grassroots action, their work helps protect Hawaiʻi’s land, water, food, and people.
Some of their efforts include:
“ʻĀina Momona, for me as a Hawaiian in diaspora, is a reminder that others see and appreciate earth the way I do. Even when I’m alone at college, I see their posts and feel that Hawaiʻi is still being taken care of.”
— Leilani
“When I see an ʻĀina Momona post… I’m reminded of the community and legacy I come from. They inspire me to continue my education and encourage other Hawaiians to mālama ʻāina. They keep me accountable and aware of issues beyond my island and ʻohana.”
— Leilani
“Building community resiliency is what keeps our ea* (sovereignty) alive. We must all remember that ea can cross oceans and continents and includes all of our lāhui*, near and far. ʻĀina Momona is honored to be acknowledged by Leilani and touched that our work has impacted her.”
Exchange Avenue is a community-powered platform where people can offer, share, and request resources rooted in reciprocity. Whether it’s a skill, service, or support—every post helps strengthen our digital ahupuaʻa community.
“It was really moving to scroll through Exchange Avenue and see all the beautiful things being shared across the Hawaiian community.”
— Leilani
Mahalo to Exchange Avenue for uplifting community connection—and congratulations again to Leilani for directing this gift with so much care.
Mahalo nui, Leilani, for your nomination and deep reflection—and mahalo nui loa to ʻĀina Momona for protecting what nourishes Hawaiʻi. Every action helps mālama ʻāina—no matter where you are.