About Us
Fostering Health through cultural connection
Nāwaipuna strengthens relationships between people, place, culture, and community.
Through cultural learning, stewardship, and place-based experiences, participants reconnect with identity, deepen their relationship with ʻāina, and discover a stronger sense of purpose and responsibility.
We believe healthy communities are built through healthy relationships—with one another, with place, and with the knowledge carried across generations.
why this work matters
Communities across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific continue to face the loss of cultural knowledge, access to land, and opportunities for intergenerational learning.
Nāwaipuna was created to strengthen the relationships that sustain community well-being by reconnecting people with place, culture, and one another through meaningful experience.
Our Team
Gina Carroll
Executive Director
Gina Carroll is the Executive Director of Nāwaipuna and guides the organization's vision, partnerships, and program development through a commitment to cultural practice and stewardship.
Kamuela Bannister
Program Co-Facilitator
Kamuela Bannister is a co-facilitator with the Blue Water Exchange, supporting program delivery and stewardship through a deep commitment to ʻāina and community.
Alex cantatore
Videographer & Documentarian
Alex Cantatore is a Hawaiʻi-based videographer and documentarian, contributing environmental and cultural storytelling in support of the Blue Water Exchange and its community impact.
Malia Heimuli
Creative Partner & Artist
Malia Heimuli is a Hawaiʻi-based artist and longtime collaborator with Nāwaipuna, contributing design, storytelling, and program partnership grounded in a deep commitment to ʻāina and cultural ʻike.
Sydney tureaud
Project Lead, Kahōkūwelowelo
Sydney Tureaud is the Project Lead for Kahōkūwelowelo, guiding outreach and education efforts in support of Nāwaipuna’s work and community relationships.
Na Wai Uliuli
Participants continuing to bring it forward
Jocelyn Grandinetti
BWE Cohort 4 (2023)
Outreach and education practitioner, supporting coordination, communication, and event facilitation across our community.
Jordan Gestrich
BWE Cohort 4 (2023)
Cultural practitioner, supporting ʻike and ʻāina-based learning through ongoing engagement with community and place.
Wayson Josue
BWE Cohort 5 (2024)
Indigenous food systems practitioner committed to cultural learning, stewardship, and community well-being.
Cooper Salomon
BWE Cohort 3 and 4 (2020-22)
Participant and former staff member supporting field operations, safety, and community engagement.