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HomeMy WebLinkAboutQ7 What is most special to you about Punaluʻu2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 1 Responses to open-ended question number 7 What is most special to you about Punaluʻu? 1. The nesting habitat for hawksbill turtles and the story of Kauila is the most important aspect of Punaluʻu to me. 2. The historic sites, the local vibe, the lack of tourist development (a good thing) 3. The heiau complex 4. The country. My ohana has lived in Ka’u for many generations. We are teachers, nurses, post office staff, welders, plumbers, contractors, deep sea fisherman and so much more in this community. Keeping Ka’u country is important. Please do not let Ka’u become a Waikiki. 🙏🙏🙏🙏 5. Its resources. 6. Spring water, turtles, walking trails 7. The Beach and the marine life 8. The natural surrounding and beauty of an uncrowded beach ♡ the turtles habitat and resting area! 9. It’s our neighborhood, beach and Ocean access. 10. I was born and raised in Hawaii . Whenever I go back that’s a big pause and reset place for me. Nothing much has changed which I love about that area. Simple but always memorable. 11. The land. 12. The beach itself. 13. that it hasn't fully succumbed to the pressures of colonialism and imperialism, including the reshaping of our culture and 'āina for tourism and commercial gain. is there a way to change that area into a national or state park? 14. It's beautiful and needs to be natural, not commercial 15. Learning how to ride a bodyboard as a small child which led to getting sponsorship contracts. 16. It’s our community’s heartbeat and a reflection of our culture. For me, Punalu’u represents our final line in the sand to defend against outside influences. 17. Punalu'u being just Punalu'u. 18. A very diverse culturally significant area with a tremendous property to reestablish a truly native ecosystem. 19. The natural environment as it should be; no hotels, no tourist traps, just nature. 20. It was where I was conceived. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 2 21. The local end where we get our space for families. 22. This place is very special to me. And I bring my children down here almost every weekend cause it’s our backyard. We enjoy having access to the shoreline without having to go through gates and or having a timeline to come and go by. The fresh water springs is especially special to me and my babies and I always try my best keep the pond clean and upkeep with the fallen rock walls. 23. The habitat for native wildlife and protected basking area for honu. 24. It is a place where the spirits gather 25. Love the wildlife. Not only do we always see turtles, but we've also seen Hawaiian monk seals and hoary bats. Its one of the best places on the island. 26. Serene setting and the honu. 27. It is unique Lack of commercial development. 28. The mana. 29. Having a clean, safe space to enjoy, observe the natural habitat of plants and animals, and the amount of fresh water that bubbles up along the area. 30. The turtles. I was happy to see that rocked off areas for the turtles to keep uneducated people from bothering them. 31. Turtle habitat. Boat access for fishing. Beach recreation. Historic preservation. 32. Everything. 33. It is the only nice readily accessible beach in Kau. 34. It remains untouched with no buildings or hotels. Leave it how our ancestors came. 35. The fresh water keiki ponds and honu feeding and resting areas make Punalu'u special to our ohana. We visit every Sunday, religiously for family time as well as meeting up with several other families. 36. Love seeing the turtles resting and nesting 37. Untouched land. No big hotels. A place to gather food for our family. Ka’u grown residents that can get together at Punalu’u. Access to the beach for local residents is important. 38. I grew up swimming and fishing there. 39. The beauty and the history of Punaluu. 40. Its beauty 41. The turtles all over that area are a miracle. Friends and guests rate the turtles at Punalu’u as best of trip. 42. The green sea turtles 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 3 43. The unspoiled beauty and especially the safe place for the sea turtles to rest and lay their eggs. 44. Turtles and pavilion. 45. The golf course use to be before it died due to lack of maintenance. 46. The Honu and the preservation of the environment. 47. Turtles, peace and quiet. 48. The beautiful beach and the turtles. 49. Honu. 50. It's natural beauty. The local flavor. The wild and unspoiled wilderness on both sides of the developed parts of the area. 51. It is a beautiful beach and love the turtles. 52. The freshwater springs and pools provide a rare crucial nursery of wildlife and environment that is at great risk. The aging water system and careless dumping of hazardous and dangerous junk in such a rare beautiful area must be addressed and I am personally willing to spend more time and effort to protect and fix the problem if allowed. 53. For me and my Ohana it has always been a gathering place. 54. It is a beautiful site where honu can be seen resting on the beach as well as being an important nesting site. 55. The black sand and turtles, used to take my babies there to play a long ago. 56. The History. 57. Turtles on black sand under the palm trees. 58. Rural quiet atmosphere of the black sand beach and the turtles. The feeling of "Old Hawaii" that feels untouched. 59. The natural, unspoiled beauty. 60. It’s historical and environmental significance. 61. Family together time and nature 62. I enjoy the serenity of the beach. I hardly go since I don’t see the local families like before and we didn’t bother the turtles. It was part of nature. Way too many tourists and people selling stuff, to whoever buys. I’m not even sure if they are from Ka’u. It’s sad, for me. 63. The natural beauty and the native species that call it home. 64. Serenity of watching the ocean and sky. 65. Hawksbill turtles. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 4 66. Ocean and beach. 67. It is my home! I love watching families and visitors alike share the beauty and peace that is Punalu’u! 68. The sea turtles. 69. The ocean and a lot of local families. 70. The beauty of how Hawai’i use to be. Which attracts a lot of visitors. And for locals enjoying simple life and luxuries afforded by its ambiance. Also respecting the history of the area. Keeping it natural while maintaining Access for the residents and visitors. 71. Natural Environment. 72. Sea life. Sea turtles. Natural beauty. 73. The turtles, coconut trees and beach being kept healthy and clean. Free access to parking for locals. I also don’t like tourist being taken advantage of having to pay to see this beautiful nature. It feels greedy and not aloha. 74. That it is a gem of an area that has for the most part, remained untouched. It is a special place and it does not need development 75. Home. 76. The people. 77. The lack of Development and unexploited land. 78. The land and animals itself. 79. It’s beautiful beach. 80. The diversity of species of plants and animals in such a small area. 81. The clean water. 82. We used to go on school trips from Na’alehu to learn about the cultural impact of the area. 83. Down south in general is special because it is untouched. Don't make Kau touristy!!! 84. Too many to list. What an absolute gem. We are blessed to have access too this space, and we must protect it at all costs. 85. As a kanaka ʻōiwi of Kaʻū, Punaluʻu is most special to me because it’s where my ancestors are laid to rest. It’s where my child’s piko is. Punaluʻu isn’t just a place, it’s part of the people of Ka’ū. 86. The way it makes you feel when you’re there 87. That it does not get developed 88. It feels so raw and untouched out there. There’s a sense of peace that you can’t get any where else. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 5 89. The natural elements of Punalu’u are most important to me. Endemic species, natural springs, beautiful basalt sand. 90. It's history and SACRED lands, the turtles, it's rural. 91. The unique sand; the protected wildlife. 92. The special and unique coastal habitat for the honu and honuʻea, the magic of the black sand and cold, rejuvenating, healing, clear, and clean brackish water, the remoteness, the history and cultural significance, the stories held by the lineal descendants of this place. 93. Natural, undeveloped, rural county slow pace 94. The sea life. 95. Everything. 96. The Kiha Wahine and Mo’o Wahine of Punalu’u. Protecting this Ahupua’a from mountain to sea. 97. Sacred natural beauty. 98. The turtle habitat and the beauty. 99. It's uniqueness and the safe place it provides the resting honu and egg-laying hawksbill turtles. 100. It is a sacred place. 101. Punalu'u is a nesting spot for the highly endangered honu'ea (Hawaiian hawksbill sea turtle) and the endangered Ōpe‘ape‘a (Hawaiian hoary bat). Most Hawaiian hawkbill turtles in the state nest along the Ka'u coast. The Kaneʻeleʻele Heiau and sacrificial stone is located here. The site also contains iwi kapuna (ancestral remains). 102. Punalu'u is such a beautiful, peaceful place. I love going there to relax and chill out. 103. It is a quiet place of natural beauty where residents and visitors can enjoy a large ocean front area which is undisturbed by commercial ventures. 104. Location and turtles. 105. Black sand beach. 106. The natural, relaxed feeling. 107. Turtles and Nesting Sites. 108. The beauty. 109. Its history 110. The symbiosis relationship to Punalu’u where both parties benefit and depend on each other for survival. 111. Daddy born there, our piko reside there. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 6 112. Camping trip. 113. It’s still accessible to the public but has potential for future renovations and growth. 114. Everything, I remember what it used to be. 115. Honu! We must protect them!! 116. It is sacred aina. 117. The whole natural place, the beauty & the ancestors. 118. Ocean access and golf course 119. Natural beauty of the beach area. 120. Access 121. Sacred spaces and environmental elements, both aina and wai. 122. Local stewardship. 123. The rich history and importance to community members and residents (including the plants and animals). 124. The beauty, it’s history and the wildlife. 125. The Beach, and restoring the whole area including the golf course. 126. That it is simple and raw reasonably undeveloped. 127. Tranquility of the beach. 128. TURTLES. 129. The marine habitat, turtles and historical significance. 130. By far the marine life. 131. Cultural and protected species. I usually go with my ohana. 132. Turtle habitat, natural coastline, natural beauty, not developed. 133. The rich history of the sacred land and the beauty of the natural and RURAL landscape. 134. One of the last beaches on island not spoiled by development. 135. The Hono. 136. The history and the sea life that exists there. 137. The historical and cultural aspects. 138. I used to love to play Sea Mountain golf course. I wish it would reopen. 139. Natural environment and ancient history. 140. I grew up in the area and I would liked the experience of swimming, surfing, diving, fishing experience for future generations to enjoy. 141. Spectacular shoreline. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 7 142. The natural beauty and peace. 143. Sea turtles. 144. It’s sacred. 145. The black sand beach and coconut tree Grove area. I would love to see the beachside restaurant and the golf course restored and reopened. 146. No development. 147. The open space, clean water, fishing and gathering grounds, native wildlife, endangered species. 148. Only accessible beach in kau. 149. The history and natural environment, the non crowdedness, the animals. 150. The history.... And the historical value as well as protection of several endangered species that are listed on the international and federal protection list. 151. Early morning solitude and pristine coastline. 152. Turtles peace and calm. 153. The view. Please do not alter the view mauka or makai. It would be a shame for this beautiful natural landscape to end up looking like Waikiki. 154. The ocean, the plants and animals and the special place it embodies. 155. Tranquility, when not full of tourists. It's a beautiful place. 156. Nature and peacefulness. It does get busy with tourist. But without this beach locals have limited access to the ocean in Kaʻu. 157. A beautiful place by the sea. 158. Protecting the honu. 159. Beauty nature turtles. 160. Protecting the native wildlife and the cultural significance. AS a Hawaiian we need to protect what we have left. 161. Natural beauty 162. Henry Opuakia home should tell its history of how he wanted his people to repent & follow Christ. 163. Peaceful and relaxing. 164. Natural habitats and preservation of breeding grounds for turtles and other wildlife. 165. Ecosystem, cultural legacy. 166. Would go more often if some of the things above were in the works. 167. The black sand and honu! 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 8 168. The natural environment and recreational and subsistence activities for local families. 169. Punalu’u must not be developed for businesses or housing of any type. This sacred land and waters must be preserved and protected for future generations. 170. The feeling I get by the ocean 171. Love the beach, love to people watch and just enjoy the peacefulness. 172. Historical preservation / wildlife protection. 173. Beach access for locals. 174. Preservation, conservation, keeping Ka'u Ka'u. 175. It’s one of the few precious black sand beaches in the world; more importantly it is a crucial nesting habitat for endangered native sea turtle species as well as a sacred cultural site. 176. The serene untouched beauty! 177. The natural beauty of, the memories of a multitude of family milestone and and everyday gatherings shared there, the wonder and privilege of stewardship I’ve witnessed for the indigenous species who reside there. 178. County park, restrooms & pavilions. 179. Grew up learning to swim there and beating site for honu and hawksbill sea turtles. 180. You. 181. How intact it is, how sacred it is to the people of Kaʻu 182. It’s a national treasure one that needs protection. There are at least 5 endangered species and historical heiau and petroglyphs along with a beautiful black sand beach all needing care. No new tourist development needed please. Keep hawaii and Kaʻu for Hawaii and for all to enjoy. 183. The endangered marine life and undeveloped coastline is extremely special and needs to be protected. 184. Its natural beauty. 185. The environment, habitat for sealife, turtles, place to swim, picnic, camp, enjoy the shore. 186. There are few black sand beaches on the island. I love seeing the honu (from a respectful distance). I meet friends in the shelters. I hike the Ka`u coast. 187. Honu. 188. Protection of turtle habitat, especially the sites where eggs are laid. 189. Not commercialized 190. Untouched land and the sea turtles 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 9 191. That it is a gathering and fishing place for locals. 192. Unique place in Kau that should remain available for all. 193. Punalu’u is a very special place with a long history with the local Hawaiian people. Every time I go there, I get a great sense of peace and am able to fully relax. 194. It is a unique place that should be available to all of the public. 195. The beach, the sea life ( turtles, monk seals, humpbacks and reef fish). The local people who access the area on a regular basis. The beauty!!!! It’s not commercialized. 196. Public access to all. How it's a gathering place for all, kupuna to keiki. 197. My Ohana as well as myself have been gathering at this beautiful beach since childhood up until present day. This is the only black sand beach on the big island and it’s spectacular n special. 198. The History and the special feeling when you are there, the peace and the sound and feel of the ocean. 199. I love the area with its spectacular beauty and simplicity. Enjoy staying at the condos 2 to 3 times a year mostly in the summer. 200. There is only one punalu’u. 201. Nature. The black sand beach and all the life that surrounds it. 202. What’s most special to me about Punaluʻu is the memories of growing up there. Swimming and playing between the three bays, the first bay, middle bay, and third bay, and spending time at the pond, especially playing with the ducks, were a big part of my childhood, even though they’re gone now. The old, broken-down hotel behind the pond is also deeply meaningful to me because it’s where my parents were married. Being able to visit Punaluʻu brings back those memories and that connection. Unfortunately, the lack of proper care over the years has left the area run down, making it hard to picture how beautiful and alive it once was. 203. it’s a beautiful beach, can’t find many like it. lot to learn about the area if you look. 204. Been going there all my life. 205. It’s remoteness. That it feels old-fashion. 206. Beach. 207. Its an amazing place that needs to be shared and loved by all. The golf course area would be amazing public park space where locals and tourists could enjoy Punalu’u park for its beautiful views, birds, Nene and peacefulness. 208. Natural beauty, cultural significance. 209. It’s a place for the entire community with easy access. 210. Its beauty and special features such as the black sand, the turtle nesting grounds and coastal trails. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 10 211. Honuea nesting grounds. 212. Punaluu bakery 213. What is most special to me about Punaluu is that it’s not only a unique & beautiful area but it’s also an area that has been passed down for generations from our ancestors to us as opio & keiki now. 214. I find the marine life and the history of the Punalu’u special because that’s what makes Punalu’u. 215. It’s the place where me and my family go it’s special to me cause of the memories that were created in that area. 216. The thing most important to me is keeping punaluu safe and how it is now because that’s how it’s always been since I was a kid and I’d hate to see it change up now. 217. The most special about Punalu’u is this the place me and my family go to if we need to spend time. 218. Everything, most especially the sea turtles. 219. The abundance that has fed our community for generations and the significance to our cultural identity. 220. The black sand. 221. The beach coastline. 222. The beauty and culture. 223. Grew up with it as my backyard. 224. Punaluu is the homeland of many here there is no other place that Has green turtles that reside here and also every few years the hawksbill turtles come to lay their eggs and return back to Maui. I have a fear that that would all disappear ( the turtles and their feeling of safety to be here )…. if there was development… The blessing of having no economic development here is unique and everyone appreciates this( even tourists) they can appreciate that this is a place that has not been corrupted by human development….. we don’t need coffee shops we don’t need more of anything here on our beautiful Aina. This might seem surprising to someone who is not from here. but more than you know people come here to release stress to educate their young ones to learn about the ocean on their own with guidance from others that help them that are from Here. We do not need everything that has been thought about by money makers to ruin what we have here. …. Seriously, I have a lot more to say, It all comes from my heart. And from my existence of being here raising my children here…. accepting the piece that we get here and learning respect for what they see and realise there’s more to learn than development here. 225. Resting place for honu and their babies. 226. It is still Punaluʻu and not developed- Very important cultural events- Makahiki, Lā Kūʻokoʻa. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 11 227. Turtles, black sand, community kakou. 228. The ocean and the turtles. 229. Culture and historical. 230. Its beauty. 231. The place itself. 232. Everything. 233. Beautiful beach, fresh air, good for swimming and picnics. 234. The nesting turtles. 235. Honey Turtles.. Dolphins. 236. Historical significance, indigenous species. 237. The habitat for our honu/honu ʻea. 238. The animals that live there. 239. Itʻs history. 240. Family gatherings. 241. The beach. 242. The turtles. 243. Access as an accessible harbor for locals. The historic heiau and piko of Moku O Keawe that is the spiritual and land anchor of the Hawaiian Island chain makes this a historic, environmental, and revered treasure needing conservation and protection. 244. Everything is special about punalu'u 245. The turtles, clean water, access to beach. 246. Natural environment and ecosystem. And the need to develop. 247. Nesting Habitat for Hawksbill Turtles. 248. The natural beauty. 249. Being Natural the Turtles and black Sand :). 250. All of it... COUNTRY. 251. Ocean creature and everything! 252. Naalehu. 253. The peace and serenity and spiritual feelings it has! 254. The beach turtle habitat. 255. Turtles and unique landscape. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 7 12 256. The spring water, natural environment, historical and cultural features including the old resort buildings, turtles and other wildlife. 257. The natural beauty and the ocean, of course. 258. A unique shoreline place in Kau that should remain protected. 259. We still know her moʻolelo. 260. Black sand, turtles, cultural heritage. 261. The resting turtles. 262. It is a lovely place created by Mother Nature & should be protected from the invasion of too many people & commercial development. 263. The beauty that used to be there. It looks so trash and unkept. 264. Both my husband and I raised our family working at Punalu’u at the restaurant. It was like a family there, everybody shared and appreciated each other. 265. Its unique natural, historical, cultural beauty along with being gathering place for Kaʻu citizens. The community has been effectively been pushed out by tourism.