Growing Capacity to Steward ʻĀina

As the founder of Kāpuna Farms, Mikiʻala Puaʻa-Freitas has always been committed to restoring ʻāina and stewarding the natural resources of Waiheʻe Valley. Through Kūkolu, she found a strategic partner who helped transform that vision into sustainable growth.

Working alongside the Kūkolu leadership team, Mikiʻala strengthened her grant writing, refined funding strategies, and developed the organizational capacity to pursue larger opportunities. With Kūkolu's mentorship and grant support, she secured over a $100,000 in County of Maui funding to restore a historic ʻauwai irrigation system, expand her beekeeping operation, and provide education and mentorship for new beekeepers across Maui County. Kūkolu continues to support grant management and reporting, allowing Mikiʻala to focus on stewarding ‘āina while building for the future.

Today, Mikiʻala is growing beyond a one-person operation. She is building a team to restore more loʻi, increase local food production, expand community education, and strengthen long-term stewardship efforts throughout Waiheʻe Valley. Her ongoing partnership with Kūkolu has also extended into Kupa o Waiheʻe, where they continue collaborating to secure additional funding for large-scale ʻāina restoration initiatives.

Mikiʻala's story reflects Kūkolu's approach to economic development: pairing strategic mentorship with access to funding so Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs can build resilient organizations that create lasting benefits for their communities and ʻāina.