Waioli Nuhou – Executive Director

HISTORY OF THE WILCOX FAMILY, WAIOLI CORPORATION
& 
NUHOU CORPORATION 
about.waiolinuhou.com
Waioli Corporation and Nuhou Corporation (Waioli – Nuhou) share the
rich, diverse multicultural 
heritage of Kauai by authentically preserving numerous important
historic sites and collections 
around the island. The sites and collections are made available to
be enjoyed by the local community 
and visitors through guided tours and educational research. These
sites include Waioli Mission House 
and Mahamoku museums in Hanalei, the Grove Farm Homestead museum in
Lihue, and an original 
locomotive roundhouse in Puhi, which includes the largest
collection of operating Kauai sugar 
plantation steam locomotives. The three museum sites and four
plantation steam locomotives are 
listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places. 

Founded by Miss Mabel Wilcox in 1975, Waioli Corporation is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit membership 
organization and Nuhou Corporation is a 509(a)(3) non-profit
supporting organization. Their mission 
is: Our kuleana is to preserve Grove Farm and Waioli Mission House
museums, and other important 
properties, buildings, and collections, and to share authentic
educational experiences through stories 
about the people, collections, and diverse properties that bring
life to Kauai’s rich history and culture.
Waioli – Nuhou continues their mission to honor the vibrant history
of Kauai.

PROPERTIES & MUSEUMS 
The Grove Farm Homestead Museum stands as a testament to the
significance of the sugar 
industry in Hawaii’s history, offering visitors a glimpse into the
past through its exceptional 
collections and preserved plantation structures. Grove Farm
museum’s impressive collection of 
steam locomotives bridges cane haul methods from the earliest
ox-drawn carts to steam driven 
locomotives to the use of gas-powered cane trucks. The Waioli
Mission House, built in 1836, 
provides insights into the missionary work that shaped traditional
Hawaiian communities. Waioli Nuhou also protects several still
farmed ancient pre-contact taro fields and auwai systems of the
Waioli Valley. Waioli-Nuhou also provides a community park in
Hanalei. Mahamoku was built in 1914 and is the last surviving
twentieth century intact beach house along Hanalei Bay
which provides a unique extended museum experience that gives
visitors personal knowledge of the pace and lifestyle of that
bygone era. 

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Waioli – Nuhou is poised for growth and innovation, presenting
an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to help shape its
future trajectory. With recent funding injections and heightened
community interest, there is immense potential to expand programs,
deepen engagement, and solidify the organization’s position as a
cultural cornerstone on Kauai. 

The Executive Director will have the chance to preserve and
enhance Grove Farm Homestead and Waioli Mission House museums,
along with other significant properties and collections. This role
offers the unique privilege of sharing authentic educational
experiences that celebrate Kauai’s rich history and culture. 
This pivotal role offers the chance to foster collaboration,
inspire creativity, and steer Waioli – Nuhou towards a future
defined by impact and relevance. As the organization embarks on
this transformative journey, the Executive Director will champion
bold ideas and inclusive practices, ensuring that Waioli’s legacy
continues to thrive in the years ahead. 

CHALLENGES 

The incoming Executive Director will encounter the pressing need
for program and strategic planning expertise, as well as a profound
comprehension of personnel and fiscal management, to steer the
organization’s expansion successfully.  

The position presents an opportunity to lead an organization
deeply rooted in Hawaii’s heritage while tackling various
challenges. These challenges include navigating organizational
transitions, addressing operational improvements, fostering staff
alignment, balancing legacy preservation with modernization,
managing board dynamics, and responsibly stewarding the
organization’s significant financial assets. Despite these
challenges, the role offers the chance to shape the organization’s
future and drive sustainable growth and impact. 

Addressing these aspects will pose a significant challenge for
the individual stepping into this pivotal role, highlighting the
critical importance of adept leadership and innovative
problem-solving skills. 

KAUAI COMMUNITY IMPACT 

Waioli – Nuhou’s impact extends far beyond its historic
properties, deeply enriching the fabric of the Kauai community.
Through educational programs, guided tours, and community events,
the organization fosters connections and promotes cultural
understanding among residents and visitors alike. As a steward of
Kauai’s heritage, Waioli – Nuhou plays a vital role in preserving
the island’s identity and fostering a sense of pride among its
people. 

KAUAI LIFESTYLE ADVANTAGES AND
LIMITATIONS 

Waioli – Nuhou embraces the laid-back lifestyle and natural
beauty of Kauai, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful
impact while living in harmony with nature. However, living in
Kauai may present challenges for those unfamiliar with the island’s
lifestyle. The idyllic setting of Kauai comes with limited
transportation options, long commutes, and a relatively high cost
of living due to the scarcity of space on a smaller island.
Prospective candidates should be prepared for logistical challenges
and higher cost of living, including housing. Despite these
challenges, Kauai offers a unique quality of life characterized by
vibrant culture, strong community ties, and unparalleled natural
beauty. 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Executive Director will report to the Boards of Directors
for Waioli Corporation and Nuhou Corporation, providing leadership
and strategic direction for the organization. Responsibilities
include overseeing staff and operations, financial management,
resource development, and community outreach. The ideal candidate
will demonstrate strong leadership abilities, a passion for
preserving cultural heritage, and a commitment to serving the Kauai
community.