Resort Guests Participate in Thoughtfully-Designed Ocean Adventures

Following on the heels of Earth Day, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa has launched a new program, allowing guests to participate in thoughtfully-designed ocean adventures with paddle boarders, boat captains, canoe racers, and others who want to share their respect for the water and passion for the environment with travelers, while giving back to the local community.

These watermen and women will also lead guests to learn about the national marine sanctuary fronting Kāʻanapali Beach and the importance of “mālama ʻāina” (“protecting the land”) through the beach clean-up activity as the sun rises above the majestic Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains).

“Surrounded by water and in the incredible setting of the largest area of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, we are most excited to share this new endeavor,” said Thomas Foti, General Manager, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. “We are delighted to provide a unique, meaningful and mindful travel experience that we hope stays with guests when they return home and continues the mālama ʻāina spirit that is so important in Hawaii.”

The Westin Maui Waterman program will be introduced in three levels – Novice Enthusiast, Advanced Adventure and Personal Perfection.

Guests can participate in the monthly Novice Enthusiast activity that includes a beach clean-up and conversation, beginning on the ocean lawn of the resort the first Friday of the month at 8 a.m. Refreshments will be served during the two-hour session.

For those keen to continue their journey to the Advanced Adventure level of the program, the resort has partnered the on-site Kāʻanapali Surf Club to present a new standup paddleboard course just over a mile long from North Kāʻanapali Beach that lands guests beachfront of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is also developing a variety of partnerships to expand the experience for guests. “Through partnerships with like-minded organizations such as West Maui Ridge2Reef Initiative and Coral Reef Alliance, we believe that we will make an impactful difference in preserving the Hawaiian culture and our environment by working closely together and enrichening the community we live in,” said Foti.

Zane Kekoa Schweitzer most recently led the inaugural Novice Enthusiast activity as the first featured Westin Maui Waterman and Environmental Aloha Ambassador. A third generation Professional Waterman, Ocean Advocate and multi-World Champion Waterman in windsurfing, stand-up racing, surfing and foiling, Zane speaks to audiences young or old, in water sports or beyond, to share inspiration and solid practices that can create a “deep blue lifestyle,” and easy to implement action steps.

“My learning journey most recently sparked my mission to be an ECO Ambassador for the Ocean, the environment and to #innovateandinspire the next generation. By being involved in the Westin Maui Waterman program, I am able to further share my knowledge and connection with the ocean that stem from my lifelong pursuit of my passion – the Ocean as our home and our playground,” said Zane.

With a powerful penchant to give back, the Westin brand continues to grow and evolve its programs and partnerships globally, addressing how wellness is integrated into consumers’ lives through the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-Being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.

“Increasingly, travelers are looking for chances to give back to the communities they visit as a meaningful way to experience a destination,” said Chris Heuisler, Global Run Concierge, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “In fact, 75% of people surveyed globally said that giving back is an important part to their sense of well-being; and even more – 80% of global respondents intend to give back or volunteer while traveling in the next 12 months.”

Most recently, Westin introduced a sustainability program that collects, processes and reweaves hotel bed linens transforming them into children’s pajamas – called Project Rise: ThreadForward. Beginning last month, the brand began distributing the first-of-its-kind pajamas to children in need, whose circumstances can contribute to shortened and more fragmented sleep. The pajamas are now also available to purchase at westinstore.com, with a portion of proceeds going back to Delivering Good and continuing to support the efforts to give every child the opportunity to Sleep Well.

Seen here Zane leading the beach clean-up with Jaret and Kirra Lockhart from Canada.

Zane shows guests how small particles of rubbish can be removed from the beach using the sand sieves made by resort landscaping manager Duane Sparkman and his team.

Resort guests and associates enjoy a talk story session with Zane.

Shaka all around for this fun and interactive activity.

Zane signs a pillow case at the inaugural Westin Maui Waterman activity.