About Us
Fostering Health through cultural connection
Our approach focuses on rebuilding the bonds of identity and environment.
Connecting with our Past
We reconnect with our history through the significance of our names and the places we call home, honoring the legacy and knowledge embedded in our lineages.
Connecting with ʻĀina (Land)
We establish a sustained connection with ʻāina, fostering a love and reciprocal relationship with the land that sustains us.
Finding and Sharing Purpose
Through this reconnection, participants discover a sense of purpose and passion to share with the world, transforming personal healing into collective impact.
Our Team
Gina Carroll
Executive Director
Gina Carroll is the Executive Director of Nāwaipuna and a co-founder of the Blue Water Exchange, now evolved into the Makaliʻi Project, guiding its growth through ʻike kūpuna and ʻāina-based practice.
Kamuela Bannister
Co-Facilitator
Kamuela Bannister is a co-facilitator with the Makaliʻi Project, 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 Makaliʻi Project and its community impact.
Malia Heimuli
Artist & Creative Partner
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.
ʻOhana Makaliʻi
Participants from the Makaliʻi Project, continuing the legacy of the Blue Water Exchange
Jocelyn Grandinetti
Makaliʻi Cohort 4 (2023)
Jocelyn Grandinetti is a Makaliʻi Cohort 4 (2023) participant and outreach and education practitioner, supporting coordination, communication, and event facilitation across the Makaliʻi community.
Jordan Gestrich
Makaliʻi Cohort 4 (2023)
Jordan Gestrich is a Makaliʻi Cohort 4 (2023) participant and cultural practitioner, supporting ʻike and ʻāina-based learning through ongoing engagement with community and place.
Wayson Josue
Makaliʻi Cohort 5 (2024)
Wayson Josue is a Makaliʻi Cohort 5 (2024) participant and Indigenous food systems practitioner, grounded in a belief that healing comes through Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Cooper Salomon
Makaliʻi Cohort 3 and 4 (2020-22)
Cooper Salomon is a Makaliʻi participant and former staff member, supporting field operations, safety, and media with a steady and ongoing commitment to the work and community.