ʻO Kaʻu Kakou in Hawaiian means, we are Kaʻu; the southernmost district on The Big Island. Kaʻu encompasses a 922-square-mile area that stretches from Volcano to the old fishing village of Miloliʻi.  This includes Ka Lae, aka South Point, the most southern point in the United States and where itʻs believed that the first Polynesians landed.  In the early days, sugar cane plantations were the primary source of employment in rural Kaʻu.  In the late 90ʻs the industry and its jobs exited the U.S. for cheaper labor in other countries. Macadamia nut and coffee farms are the primary crops as Kaʻu retains itʻs rural charm today.

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OKK is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit.  Our charitable goals are to promote a healthy community through education, culture, and economic opportunity.  Formed in 2006, OKK raises money through individual donations, grants and on-going fundraisers such as the Annual Kaʻu Coffee Trail Run. All donations go towards funding local scholarships, land for a proposed senior housing project, purchase of life-saving equipment for Kaʻu Hospital, restoration and maintenance of three historical  cemeteries, sponsorship of free Veterans Day, 4thof July Parade & Fun Day.  We often partner with other community groups to achieve community goals.  Our volunteers also help with Food Bank distribution. (please see our Ongoing Projects page).