Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

The island's newest homestead community in Waikapū will have 91 homes, ranging in size from two to five bedrooms. Construction of Puʻuhona Phase II is slated for completion by February 2026.

Hawaiʻi's first homestead was established on Moloka’i in 1922 as a pilot for what became Hawaiian homelands across the islands. As HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports, Molokaʻi homesteaders continue to honor Prince Kūhiō's legacy and on his birthday week, are celebrating a milestone on the island.

Dozens rallied at the Hawai‘i Capitol's rotunda ahead of Prince Kūhiō Day to advocate for House Bill 606, which would give more funding to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Kali Watson has been leading the charge at the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. He spoke to The Conversation about bills at the Legislature, new projects, and more.

Gov. Josh Green discusses how Hawaiʻi is responding to federal uncertainty; DHHL head Kali Watson explores new ways to get Native Hawaiians off the wait list for homesteads

One measure would increase the state’s 10.25% transient accommodations tax levied on hotels by 1%, which would go into the Hawaiian Home General Loan Fund.

Construction of Hale Mōʻiliʻili is slated to be completed by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has received a four-year $72 million federal grant to build infrastructure, increase workforce development programs and establish community centers on DHHL land for better digital access.

An abundance of geothermal power may lie below land set aside for Hawaiian homesteads. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is exploring whether or not that resource can be used to help its beneficiaries. HPR’s Savannah Harriman-Pote has more.


A proposal to develop more than 1,300 acres in King’s Landing on Hawaiʻi Island is being considered by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The project has been a goal for a handful of Native Hawaiian families who settled in the area more than 40 years ago.