Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Bash Sunday

By Vanessa Wolf

One of last year’s culinary contest entries. Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Bloggers.

The Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area’s 4th Birthday Bash and Ridge to Reef Celebration will be held this Sunday, July 28 at Kahekili Beach Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event promises food, education, keiki events, games and prizes.

Check-in is at 9 a.m. and starts with a t-shirt giveaway.

At 9:30 a.m. there will be a group photo, immediately followed by the start of a culinary contest which is open to all attendees.

This year’s contest theme is “Ridge to Reef”  and there are two possible winning entries in the categories of “Most Creative” and “Science Geekiest.”

To enter the event, you must check in your creation by 9:15 a.m.

Note this is not a culinary competition with respect to flavor profiles or taste. Creativity and cake decorating skills will be your best ally here.

Last year’s entries ran the gamut from donuts fashioned into sea urchins to watermelons cut to resemble a shark’s jaw. You get the idea.

Everyone who attends will get a chance to vote.

Also immediately following the group photo is the Great Annual Fish Count survey with the Fish Identification Network. Meet at the blue DLNR KHFMA sign at 9:30 a.m. to learn how to do a fish survey for the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). Bring your snorkel or dive gear and a buddy.

Don’t feel like getting wet?

Also at 9:30 a.m. you can attend the Water Quality ‘Talk Story’ and Turbidity Monitoring demonstration with Aquanimity Now.

Find out about the Turbidity Task Force and how you can play a role and make a difference. Meet at the Ridge to Reef Hui outreach tent zone water quality station at 9:30 a.m.

If you’re busy learning how to do a fish survey at this time, rest assured turbidity monitoring demonstrations will occur throughout the day.

Photo courtesy Maui Ocean Bloggers.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be the Savvy Shopper Relay. Details haven’t yet been provided, but the event organizers promise a “fun activity for all ages.”

At 10:30 a.m. the culinary contest winners will be announced and prizes awarded.

If your stomach starts to rumble at this point, there’s good news… sort of.

At 11 a.m. the seaweed eating contest begins.

If you are the kind that likes to win prizes at any cost, this may be just the challenge for you.

Your belly full of seaweed, head to the DLNR KHFMA sign at 11:30 a.m. for a reef tour with folks from the Division of Aquatic Resources.

You’ll see the reef in a whole new way after this snorkel tour: just remember to bring your own gear.

Those of you baking a cake in the shape of an axis deer or carving mangoes into sea turtles will be all set for the potluck and BBQ at high noon.

Otherwise, whip up something to share.

The event sponsors will provide a hot dogs & burgers for event attendees, as well.

Lastly, at 2 p.m. there will be a prize drawing for such items as one night in a deluxe room with a breakfast buffet for two at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, dinner for two at Japengo in the Hyatt Regency Maui, guest passes for a sunset snorkel on Trilogy Excursions, $25 gift certificates to CJ’s Deli, guest passes to the Maui Ocean Center and more.

There will be many chances to enter throughout the day but entrants must be present to win.

Also at the birthday bash will be a West Maui Ridge to Reef Hui outreach tent zone with representatives from participating local groups and agencies. Here you can learn about their efforts and how you can get involved.

Have an idea for a fun, funny or thought-provoking story or topic? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. – Vanessa (@mauinow.com)