Rooted Intelligence. Bold Solutions.

Our Founder

Kahua Strategies LLC is a Native Hawaiian, woman-led consulting firm delivering culturally grounded, strategic advisory services to organizations in Hawaiʻi and beyond. At Kahua Strategies, we help our clients build from a strong foundation—guided by ʻike kupuna, innovation, and impact.

Leonani Puailihau brings over 15 years of experience in strategic consulting, cultural leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. A proud kānaka entrepreneur and community connector, Leonani is committed to uplifting Hawaiʻi through grounded strategy and bold vision.

Our Name, Our Purpose.

Kahua means “foundation” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. We believe in building from the ground up—intentionally, respectfully, and with integrity. As a Native Hawaiian-led firm, our work is rooted in the values of mālama, kuleana, and aloha.

We design and lead culturally grounded engagement strategies that elevate community voice and ensure inclusive, informed decision-making.

Through deep relationships, facilitation rooted in Hawaiian values, and clear communication strategies, Kahua Strategies helps organizations build trust and align with the communities they serve. From large-scale development projects to policy-making and community initiatives, we guide meaningful engagement processes that move beyond check-the-box outreach.

Our Services

  • We lead culturally grounded engagement strategies that amplify community voices and foster meaningful, trust-based relationships between institutions and the communities they serve.

  • We design and facilitate inclusive, collaborative processes that center diverse voices through strategic planning, ʻaha kūkā, and community-led engagement.

  • Our team partners with organizations to design intentional outreach strategies grounded in ʻike and aligned with the values, priorities, and needs of the communities they serve.

  • We use participatory design frameworks to co-create programs, spaces, and policies in genuine partnership with the communities they are intended to serve.

  • Rooted in aloha ʻāina, we facilitate meaningful engagement that advances stewardship, ʻāina justice, and place-based planning.

Partnerships

  • DTL

    Howard Hughes

  • Actions of Aloha

  • OLA

    Oils Legacy Aloha

  • ‘ŌLA

    (ʻŌʻiwi Leadership Accelerator)

  • Pono Petroleum

    Government Contracting

  • Kanaka Collective

  • Moani Restaurant Group

    Moani Island Bistro & Bar

    Moani Waikīkī

  • Friends of Keoni Souza

    Community Engagement

Consult With Us

"Outreach without strategy is noise." Kahua Strategies integrates engagement with program design, evaluation, and strategic planning—ensuring community insights inform not just the message, but the mission.

Trust us to get the job done right.