The Island of Hawai‘i is known for its active volcanoes and a paniolo (cowboy) culture that predates the American Wild West. Native Hawaiian cowgirl Kuʻunahenani ‘Nahe’ Keakealani embodies this tradition, blending it with a passion for conservation.
A Sixth-Generation Paniolo
Nahe, 26, is a sixth-generation paniolo, trained by her grandfather, Sonny Keakealani, in the ancient techniques of Hawaiian ranching. Her family, the Keakealanis, manages 125 acres in Waimea, a northern county on the island. Nahe’s work combines her heritage with efforts to restore the endangered dryland forest.
“The ranching era depleted a lot of resources,” Nahe says. “But when it’s done right, it doesn’t have to be that way,” says Nahe. “My paniolo heritage taught me the language of this land.”
Nahe’s Connection to Family and Land
Her daily life reflects this bond, as she moves through the homestead with her dog, Sister, always by her side. Together, they practice kilo, quietly observing nature and the changing sky. This tradition highlights Nahe’s tuned-in and calm demeanor when on her ancestral lands, contrasting with her more mischievous side during ranch work.
A Unique Conservationist
Nahe’s approach to conservation is rooted in her deep connection to the land, or ʻāina. She collaborates with the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, focusing on regenerating 84 acres of the Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve. Her family-taught skills distinguish her from other conservationists.
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“My skill set came from my grandfather and my family,” she explains. “Other people may know conservation 100 percent, but they don’t know my land the way that I do.”
Nahe contributes to the Kaiāulu Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a project, a collaborative initiative to transform cleared pastureland into thriving forest. The project aims to safeguard native biodiversity, including the critically endangered uhiuhi tree and the Hawaiian crow.
The dryland forest, receiving less than 50 inches of annual rainfall, showcases remarkable resilience. Nahe calls it “the definition of resiliency,” highlighting the ‘Ōhi’a Lehua tree, an endemic species flourishing on new lava flows.
Her dedication is guided by a traditional Hawaiian saying: ‘He aliʻi ka ʻāina; he kauwā ke kanaka’—‘the land is chief; man is its servant.’ This principle shapes her work on the ranch and in the forest.
Currently, Nahe welcomes everyone to the Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve for planting, weeding, or educational activities. “All types of travelers are welcome,” she says, stressing the importance of giving back to the land.
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A Legacy of Paniolo Culture
The Keakealanis are pillars of Hawaiian paniolo heritage. Sonny Keakealani, Nahe’s grandfather, is the last native speaker of the Puʻuanahulu dialect. Her mother, Roberta Kuʻulei Keakealani, is a respected cultural practitioner and activist. This legacy informs Nahe’s approach to ranching and conservation.
The Keakealani homestead, part of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) initiative, is a lively center of activity. Cattle, horses, pigs, and dogs roam the 125-acre property, which also hosts a community feed store and a budding native garden. Here, Nahe practices kilo, the quiet observation of nature, a tradition central to her connection with the land.
Reviving the Dryland Forest
The Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve, where Nahe works, contrasts sharply with Waimea’s lush ranchlands. This dryland forest, growing through ancient lava rock, contains less than one percent of the remaining dryland forest in the Hawaiian archipelago. The Kaiāulu Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a project aims to restore this ecosystem, combating invasive grasses and protecting species like the uhiuhi tree and Hawaiian crow.
Nahe’s role is deeply personal. As the only lineal descendant of the land on her field crew, she brings a unique perspective. “I’m an ʻāina servant,” she says, embodying the principle that the land is chief and humans are its servants.
Nahe invites all to join her at the Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve. She emphasizes giving back through planting, weeding, or education. “Any form of giveback means a lot,” she says, reflecting the kaiāulu (community) spirit driving her work.