Mākena Golf & Beach Club Launches Free Summer Ocean Safety Program for Youth

Mākena Golf & Beach Club introduces Kiaʻi Kai Keiki Academy, a complimentary summer ocean safety and stewardship program for Maui youth between the ages of 8 and 18.

Guided by Mākena’s watermen and water women on Maluaka Beach, kids will get the opportunity to learn valuable ocean safety practices and build conservation awareness through fun on-the-beach and in-the-ocean activities. The summer program includes day-long clinics from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Maluaka Beach Park on four dates: June 15, June 29, July 27, and August 10, 2017.

Photo Courtesy of Mākena Golf & Beach Club.

“Discovery Land Company is passionate about history and culture, sustainability, and ensuring that today’s youth have the knowledge and resources required to continue to be stewards of our coastline,” said Ed Divita, Discovery Land Company.  “This program is just a natural extension of all our ongoing efforts to support youth and education initiatives in Mākena and across Maui.”

Through partnerships with other coastal and open water experts, Mākena’s Keiki Kiaʻi Kai aims to increase youth self-confidence, physical conditioning, and ocean awareness through the introduction of water safety, first aid and rescue protocol. The program also looks to include cultural and environmental experts of the area to incorporate coastal stewardship and conservation awareness training for the participants. Depending on water conditions, additional recreational activity may include stand-up paddle boarding, canoe paddling or snorkeling.

At the helm of the program is Mākena’s Director of Outdoor Pursuits, Ka‘imi Kaneholani. A long-time watermen, Kaneholani is a certified lifeguard having served as a water safety officer on Kaua‘i’s north shore and as an instructor for an award-winning Junior and Keiki Lifeguard program. “Growing up in the islands it is important for our island keiki to not only be comfortable in the water but to understand ocean safety protocol. Our program aims to nurture that deep connection keiki have for the ocean through water safety and environmental awareness,” said Kaneholani.

Registration for the summer program is limited to 25 participants per day. All participants must be able to swim well in open water. The free program also includes complimentary lunch. Upon completion of each clinic, participants will receive a complimentary shirt and achievement certificate.

“Supporting Maui’s next generation has been at the forefront of Mākena’s Charitable Contributions Campaign,” said Leahi Hall, Community Engagement Manager, “we care deeply about empowering keiki through experiential educational opportunities that deepens their connection to place and encourages their role as the next stewards of Maui’s precious natural resources. There is a Hawaiian proverb that recounts the careful and skilled observation of an albatross studying the ocean, and we work to support the next generation of skilled observers and shoreline stewards through the Keiki Kia‘i Kai program.”

To register or for more information about Mākena Golf & Beach Club’s Keiki Kiaʻi Kai go online or email [email protected].