Curlew at Kiholo Bay

Paul Mitchell was best known for his hairstyling and hair care products, but he was also a long-time resident of the Big Island and loved the tranquility and beauty of the North Kona Coast. Recently his son, Angus Mitchell, donated seven acres of his late father’s land, valued at $6.5 million, to The Nature Conservancy, an organization that helps protect land in over thirty countries.

Kiholo Bay, located between Waikoloa and Hualalai resorts, truly is paradise. King Kamehameha had the bay built in 1920 to use as a fishing pond, but lava flow from Mauna Loa destroyed most of it in 1859. What is left is a perfect mix of ancient ponds, lava formations, and wildlife. According to Angus his father thought of the area as his Eden and it’s easy to see why. Swaying palm trees line the black pebble beaches. On a clear day the ocean sparkles with various shades of blue and sea turtles can be found sunbathing on the rocks.

Green Sea Turtle, Kiholo Bay

Angus Mitchell donated the land to The Nature Conservancy as a way to honor his father and give back to the inhabitants of the Big Island. The Hawaii Nature Conservancy executive director, Suzanne Case, called the property, “a rare treasure,” and indicated they planned to work with local nonprofit group Hui Aloha Kiholo and the state to develop a stewardship plan.

Since Kiholo Bay is largely uninhabited and near the Kiholo State Park, lots of wildlife and migratory birds make this area their home. With two freshwater springs on the property feeding into the bay the marine life is unique. It’s lucky for the Big Island that people like Angus Mitchell and his late father want to protect the area.