"In 2002, a mother on the island of Maui started to research how she could help to remedy the lack of playgrounds in the Upcountry area. With the help of a New York-based architectural firm, hundreds of Maui school children were asked to design their dream playground and in addition, to choose a name for it. Out of several hundred entries,“Magical Playground” was selected.

It was then translated into Hawaiian -- Kahua Kalakupua. Thanks to a slew of community fundraisers and donations, as well as the manpower of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the 7,000 square-foot Kalakupua Playground officially opened in September 2004 at the 4th Marine Division Memorial Park in Ha‘iku. Today, as the children and their families come to the playground to enjoy the fruits of their labor, it is unmistakable that the ties that were built through this process have changed this community for the better." from the 2005 Hawaii Community Foundation Annual Report

Welcome to Our Ohana!

Congratulations to Jillana Montalvo a 5th grader from Haiku Elementary School. She correctly guessed there were 24 Honu tiles. Miss Montalvo received received passes to the Maui Ocean Center, the Hawaii Nature Center, and Jamba Juice Macha Tea Shot coupons. Come back to check for our next contest!

The Kalakupua Playground at the 4th Marine Division Park in Haiku is maintained through a partnership between the County of Maui and Friends of the Playground Ohana, an all-volunteer non-profit organization.

High school students and community service clubs including the Haiku Boys & Girls Club and the Hawaii Job Corps participate in monthly cleanings and additional volunteers are always welcome.

Donations of money are also accepted as well as individuals to provide specific assistance such as carpentry or repairs. In addition to the monthly cleanings, a larger sealing project takes place once or twice a year, which also needs volunteers..

Maintenance days usually are held on the last Saturday of the month from 9 to 11 a.m. and workers are provided drinks and lunches. Please see our Events Calendar for specific dates.