Connecting Culture, Environment, and Community Health at the Hanapēpē Salt Ponds

Our latest Perspectives on Community Health trip took us to the Hanapēpē Salt Ponds on Kaua‘i — one of the last places where pa‘akai (salt) is made using traditional methods. For generations, 22 families have cared for these salt beds, passing down knowledge, practices, and responsibility.

Hawaiian salt-making is a time-consuming and laborious process that begins by moving seawater from deep wells into shallow basins. Over the course of 8 to 10 weeks, the salt dries and crystallizes under the sun’s heat.

This practice faces multiple threats. Sea level rise is eroding the sand dune that shields the ponds. Pollution contaminates the water and clay that are essential to making the salt. Rain and flooding can erase weeks of hard work. To combat some of these environmental challenges, Hui Hana Pa‘akai o Hanapēpē is preparing a volunteer effort to plant 4,000 native seedlings on the sand dune to reduce erosion. Participants for this trip were able to dedicate some time to planting cuttings for a future planting event.

As part of the tradition, pa‘akai is only gifted or exchanged — never sold. Our participants were fortunate enough to have the special opportunity  to take part in an ahupua‘a exchange, bringing something from home to trade with one another, creating a meaningful experience of connection and cultural sharing.

We are so grateful to Malia Nobrega-Olivera, Lea Kai‘aokamālie, Ruby Pap, and all at Hui Hana Pa‘akai o Hanapēpē for the opportunity to deepen our understanding of how environmental change, indigenous knowledge, and community health intersect in Hawai‘i.