OUR VISION MAUKA TO MAKAI
FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE OCEANS
About Kahākūkahi
Nonprofit Organization
Since the devastating fires last August, we have pivoted the mission of Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy Foundation to focus on the mental health of the children of of our community.
Our Foundation's goal is to build a headquarters at Honokahua Bay, Fleming's Beach, just north of Kaʻanapali, stocked with canoes, windsurfers, surf boards, fishing tackle, ocean safety equipment, CPR models and art materials where the children can safely spend their weekends learning about stewardship of the ocean and land from licensed professionals.
We are building a community to create a learning environment that introduces Keiki (children) to ocean sports, stewardship, and nurturing a healthy relationship with the kai (sea) and ʻāina (land). We hope to encourage them to become ocean guardians while committing to positive lifestyle choices. We focus on inspiring our Keiki and community to uplift the environment around them through blue life choices and actions towards ocean conservation. This includes our all-inclusive InZane Super Groms Kids Ocean Sport and Ocean Safety Clinic, beach cleanups, and blue carbon restoration programs that focus on making science and education fun!
By gaining strength and confidence while learning to adapt to the ocean’s ever-changing environment our Keiki learn to apply these same positive skills and mindset to their daily lives. We believe that every child in our community should have the opportunity to experience these cultural practices and ocean activities. We support this through mentorship and providing the equipment they need at no cost.
Additionally, we provide scholarships to the select few who have been inspired to take on the lifestyle of an ocean guardian and Hawaiian waterman or woman. We continue to offer mentorship as they continue their journey as valued members of our community.
When not on the water we enjoy collaborations with local artists, taking our trash from beach cleanups to treasured art installations that further spread the message for the oceans! Knowing the health of our oceans depends on the health of everything upstream, we nurture our connection with the ʻāina (land) by introducing the Keiki to experts in regenerative agriculture and Hawaiian restoration allowing them to get their hands dirty and foster a sense of Mālama (stewardship) for the land.
We take our lessons and experiences from the water and into the schools with our Blue Life Speaking engagements, capturing local students’ attention and interest with our founder's educational film, "Zane's Deep Blue Life".