‘Swing for Aloha’ golf tournament raises $56K for affordable housing on Maui

Nā Hale O Maui raised more than $56,000 at its 9th annual golf tournament fundraiser on April 6, 2025, to support affordable housing construction in Kahului.

Held at Mākena Golf & Beach Club, this year’s sold-out “Swing for Aloha: Driving Hope, Building Homes” tournament drew 18 teams and featured a farm-to-fork dinner, an online auction and contests including a Longest Drive competition.

Proceeds from the event will go toward building seven affordable homes in the Fairways at Maui Lani for income-qualified families, according to Nā Hale O Maui, a nonprofit Community Land Trust.

“This event reflects what’s possible when our community comes together with shared values and vision,” said Interim Executive Director Carrie DeMott. “Every dollar raised brings us closer to ensuring Maui families have a place to call home.”

The tournament’s theme, “The Wellbeing of Our Moku – Supporting Affordable Housing,” aligned with the mission of the nonprofit and the intent of host Mākena Golf & Beach Club, which provided access to its private course and comfort stations.

The day’s top prize—an Honorary Observer experience at the 2026 Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua—was awarded to Longest Drive winner Drew Sebring. The experience, valued at approximately $3,000, was donated by Chris Smith, tour manager for The Sentry. No participants claimed the $10,000 Hole-in-One prize.

Winners of the tournament included:

• 1st Place: Mercedes-Benz of Maui
• 2nd Place: Tony Talbot’s Team
• 3rd Place: Walker Industries

Team Sponsorships raised the bulk of the funds. Major sponsors included West Maui Construction, Mahi Pono, Goodfellow Bros., Dowling Company, Harmer Communications, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawaiian Cement, Pacific Pipe, PB Sullivan Construction, Maui Land & Pine and others.

Auction and prize donors included Four Seasons Resort Maui, Merriman’s, UFO Parasail, Matteo’s Osteria, Andaz Maui, Diana Snoey Appler Art, Tommy Bahama, Roselani Scoop Shop and Nā Hoaloha Ekolu with gift cards from Star Noodle, Leoda’s and Old Lahaina Luau.

To learn more or contribute to Nā Hale O Maui’s housing initiatives, visit nahaleomaui.org.