Molokaʻi’s Legacy in the Kahoʻolawe Movement:

This historic photo features our very own Uncle Kawehi Ryder with one of the earliest Molokaʻi Access Groups to set foot on Kahoʻolawe, taken between 1979 and 1980. Captured by the late Dr. Noa Emmett Aluli and graciously shared by Uncle Chucky Cohelo—formerly of Molokaʻi and now residing on Oʻahu—this image memorializes a pivotal moment in the aloha ʻāina movement.

Nearly everyone pictured is from Molokaʻi, and many have since journeyed on to be with our beloved ancestors. We extend our deepest mahalo to Uncle Chucky for helping preserve and share this treasured piece of our collective history.

At the time, Kahoʻolawe remained under military control—devastated by decades of bombing that scarred the land and left behind unexploded ordnance. The brave efforts of these early access groups helped lay the foundation for the island’s return and restoration.

In the years that followed, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was established between Native Hawaiian organizations and government entities. This agreement outlined shared goals for environmental healing, cultural stewardship, educational access, and the eventual return of the island to a sovereign Native Hawaiian governing entity. The MOU stands as a lasting symbol of reconciliation, environmental justice, and aloha ʻāina.

Coming this November 2025:

As part of our upcoming Hula Festival at Ke Olā Puʻuhonua, we are hoping to welcome some of the surviving members pictured here for a special panel. We will also be reaching out to other kiaʻi who were part of the earliest access groups to Kahoʻolawe and invite them to join us in sharing their ʻike, stories, and manaʻo from this powerful era. This gathering will offer a rare and meaningful opportunity to hear directly from those who helped shape the legacy of aloha ʻāina and the restoration of Kahoʻolawe.

#MolokaiToKahoolawe #AlohaAina #Hoʻomanaʻo #NativeHawaiianHistory #KahoolaweRestoration #HulaFestival #KIRC #ʻIkeKupuna #MolokaiStrong #ProtectKahoolawe #MolokaiLegacy

This Photo was taken by Dr. Emmet Aluli and shared with Uncle Kawehi Ryder by his friend Uncle Chucky Cohelo formerly of Moloka'i now living on Oahu.