Maunawila Heiau Complex has become a source of pride for the Hau'ula community in Oahu, since Hawai’iLand Trust (HILT) protected it in 2014. Funding from the Sidney Frank Foundation supported HILT to build community programs such as the Maunawila Menehune (ages 10-12) and Opio ( ages 14-21) programs, which help develop preservation, stewardship, storytelling, and critical-thinking skills in an intimate group setting.  

HILT provides a variety of aina-based educational opportunities for more than 2,000 students from Kindergarten through University levels. Its collaborations with the community to preserve and protect sacred spaces and create a place of healing continues to inspire the work it does. 

HILT also secured a conservation easement permanently protecting the 19-acre Merwin Palm Collection on Maui’s north shore. The Merwin Palm Forest is home of the Merwin Conservancy, the home and garden of United States Poet Laureate William Stanley Merwin. HILT continues to steward and oversee this palm forest and work in partnership with the Conservancy.