7th Annual Ridge to Reef Rendezvous, Aug. 6

The 7th Annual Ridge to Reef Rendezvous will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Kahekili Beach Park (Old Airport Beach) in North Kāʻanapali.  The event was originally scheduled in July, but was postponed due to Tropical Storm Darby.

This fun family-friendly event is free and open to the public, with a focus on watershed-scale conservation themes and information on what Maui residents can do to help coral reefs and fisheries.

Community groups from the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative Hui will be on hand to help share these messages in fun and interactive ways.

Pono fishing practices will be highlighted through demonstrations and activities for keiki, with the Maui Nui Makai Network, Polanui Hiu, Division of Aquatic Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, and NOAA Fisheries.

For those who would like to check out the reef with experts, the Maui Fish Identification Network is hosting the 15th Great Annual Fish Count.  Guests can also join a guided tour of Kahekili Reef (for proficient snorkelers bringing their own gear, and any minors to be accompanied by an adult).

Attendees are also invited to check in at a sunscreen sustainability station, where they can learn what ingredients to look out for to ensure their personal care products are less harmful to coral reefs, and get a recipe to make their own more reef-friendly sunscreen.

New this year is an Ocean-Friendly Business recognition ceremony, featuring West Maui Council Member Elle Cochran presiding as emcee, and honoring businesses that have taken West Maui Kumuwai’s Ocean-Friendly Landscaper or Property Pledges, members of Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean-Friendly Restaurant program, and tour operators certified through Hawai’i Ecotourism Association’s Sustainable Tour Operator program. Following the ceremony, food will be shared with event attendees, provided through donations by CJ’s Deli & Diner, Sangrita Grill, and the Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas.

There’s also the popular ocean-themed culinary contest, with entries judged solely on appearance by fellow event-goers.  Guests are also invited to complete in a scavenger hunt by visiting the outreach booths.

According to Tova Callender, West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative Watershed and Coastal Management Coordinator, “this isn’t your usual rubber stamp outreach event scavenger hunt; we are planning to amplify and share some key messages and the latest science through a story, ‘Finding Tory,’ an uhu who is confused about what’s happening to her home reef in West Maui.”

Over $1,500 in prizes, primarily gift certificates for food and activities, have been generously donated by local Maui businesses, including Trilogy Excursions, Koholā Brewery, The Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas, Teralani Sailing, Boss Frog’s, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, Aloha Mixed Plate, The Snorkel Store, Maui Surfboards, Koholā Gallery & Gifts, Atlantis Adventures Hawaiʻi, Maui Ocean Center, Round Table Pizza, Sea House Restaurant, Mahana Boutique, and Body in Balance.

Kahekili Beach Park is privately owned and maintained by the Kāʻanapali North Beach Masters Association.  Kāʻanapali North Beach Masters Association joins Hawai’i Tourism Authority, the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Honua Kai West Maui Community Fund as overall sponsors of this year’s event.

Event Schedule:

9 a.m.: event check-in, culinary contest check-in, t-shirt giveaway
9:15 a.m.: deadline to check in ocean-themed culinary contest entries
9:30 a.m.: REEF fish survey with Maui Fish Identification Network
10 a.m.: Reef Tour with Ridge to Reef partners (must bring own snorkel gear; youth must be accompanied by an adult)
10:45 a.m.: Prizes awarded for Culinary Contest and Scavenger Hunt
11 a.m.: Ocean-Friendly Business recognition and media ceremony; food to be shared following ceremony

Culinary contest guidelines:

The culinary contest features any type of edible creation with an ocean theme. Entries must be checked in no later than 9:15 a.m. Judging by event-goers is based on appearance with prizes awarded based on scores, plus a bonus random drawing. Following judging, culinary contest entries will be eaten.

Additional Event Details:

Ridge to Reef Hui participants: Maui Nui Makai Network, Polanui Hiu Cmma, Maui Ocean Center, The Hawaiian Aquarium, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office Barbless Circle Hook Project, Hawaii DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) – Division of Aquatic Resources & Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, Surfrider Foundation – Maui Chapter, West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership, Hawaii Fish Identification Network, Rotary Club Of Lahaina Sunset, Trilogy’s Blue’aina Campaign, The Nature Conservancy in Hawaiʻi, County of Maui Dept. of Planning, Hui o ka Wai Ola, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, Coral Reef Alliance, West Maui Kumuwai, Kāʻanapali Makai Watch, and Project S.E.A.-Link.

Linda Castro with her 1st prize winning “good reef/bad reef” cake in the Ridge to Reef Rendezvous’ ocean-themed culinary contest in 2015. Photo credit: Terry Schroeder.

A close up of the winning entry from 2015’s culinary contest. Photo credit: Ananda Stone

Darlene Wallace with her 2nd-pace winning entry in the 2015 Ridge to Reef Rendezvous’ ocean-themed culinary contest, with volunteer Michelle Griffoul. Photo credit: Ananda Stone.

Part of the Ridge to Reef Rendezvous will feature pono fishing activities for keiki. Photo credit: Ananda Stone.

The 2016 Ridge to Reef Rendezvous will feature pono fishing activities for keiki. Photo credit: Ananda Stone.

A sea turtle themed entry into the 2015 Ridge to Reef Rendezvous’ ocean-themed culinary contest. Photo credit: Ananda Stone.