The Keko'olani family traces its ancestral roots on the Big Island to several towns and settlements located on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, including Paauilo, Honoka'a, Kukuihaele and Waipio Valley. But the Hawaiian homestead of Kalōpā holds a special place in the hearts of our family because our great-grandmother Lillian Kalaniahiahi Kaeo Kanakaole Keko'olani (1882-1923) was one of Kalōpā's original homesteaders. Here, two generations of the Keko'olani family found a special place to call home. To be at Kalōpā brings tender memories of our loving and dedicated parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

This section of our website is of special interest to the original settler familes of Kalōpā:

Keomalu

Kamauoha

Ferreira

Wachi

Needham

Gomes

Other families may also  find information about their roots in Kalōpā.

A Place Called Kalōpā

View the book about Kalōpā written by Aunty Amy Keko'olani Akao (1929-2003). The book is no  longer for sale, but may be viewed and downloaded (PDF file).

Webmaster Dean Keko'olani gets a hug from his father's sister, Aunty Amy Keko'olani Akao, author of A Place Called Kalōpā,  on her backyard patio. (Hilo, 2003).

A Little Bit of Memorabilia

Read some handwritten notes about Old Kalōpā given to Charles P. Keko'olani, son of Nawai Keko'olani, Sr. (1903-1962), by his Aunty Aina Keko'olani Keawe (1913-2004). Names of the good fishing places and what was caught there are given.

The Old Mormon Cemetery at Kalōpā

The Keko'olani family was instrumental in helping establish the LDS Church on Hamakua Coast of the Big Island during the 19th and 20th centuries. The church at Kalōpā was relocated to Honoka'a. But the cemetery which was next to the old church remains. Here many members of the Keko'olani family are buried. This is also a very important place for the Keomalu family.