Celebrating 25 years at Kamaʻole Point Park, Oct. 17

Community members are invited to gather at Kamaʻole Point Park on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. Twenty-five years ago the area between Kamaʻole II and Kamaʻole III beach parks was restored from a neglected junkyard and transformed into Kamaʻole Point Park. When the 3-year community effort, spearheaded by Buck Joiner, was completed in 2001, the new park was turned over to the County of Maui for the benefit of residents and visitors. 

The free community celebration will feature music, food, history, proclamations, presentations, interactive activities and a small native planting project, giving attendees an opportunity to learn about the park’s history and lend a hand in caring for its future. The event will also recognize the leadership and efforts of longtime Kīhei community member Buck Joiner. 

Mayor Richard Bissen, Council Chair Alice Lee and Council Member Tom Cook, Rep. Terez Amato and Sen. Angus McKelvey are expected to present proclamations as part of the celebration.

The restoration also created important habitat along the Kīhei coastline. Kamaʻole Point became the first site in South Maui where native Hawaiian ʻuaʻu kani seabirds successfully reestablished themselves, adding an important ecological dimension to the park’s community legacy.

The anniversary celebration reflects the Hawaiian proverb, “I ka wā ma mua, I ka wā ma hope” which is commonly understood as “Look to the past, as a guide to the future.” In that spirit, the afternoon will both recognize the people who helped create the park and invite a new generation of community members to participate in its stewardship.

Attendees are encouraged to come ready to learn, celebrate, and help put native plants in the ground.

Event Details

• What: Kamaʻole Point Park 25th Year Celebration
• When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, 1–4 p.m.
• Where: Kamaʻole Point Park, Kīhei
• Activities: Historical presentations, music, pūpū, proclamations, community information, and a small native planting project
• Parking: Available across South Kīhei Road at the corner of Keonekai Road, with additional parking at Kamaʻole Beach Park III

The celebration is co-sponsored by Kīhei Community Association, Sierra Club Maui Group, and Maui Tomorrow Foundation.

Organizers say Kamaʻole Point Park stands today as an example of what sustained community involvement can accomplish. The transformation of the site from a neglected coastal area into a public park, wildlife habitat, and gathering place reflects decades of community stewardship and a commitment to protecting South Maui’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.