The K&C Cheer and Dance Academy of Lahaina is raising money to participate in the 2026 All-Star Spirit Extravaganza Parade at Disneyland. Courtesy photo

A group of young athletes from the K&C Cheer and Dance Academy of Lahaina are raising money in hope of sharing their aloha at the 2026 All-Star Spirit Extravaganza Parade at Disneyland.

Having only been in action since January, K&C Cheer and Dance has already achieved its first milestone. In July 2025, the team attended a cheerleading conference in Las Vegas and met a multitude of inspiring, likeminded individuals in the cheer and dance world.

Additionally, two Disney parade organizers encouraged coach Tambara Garrick to sign up for the parade coming up this spring, noting that K&C Cheer and Dance would be the only team from Hawaii, which would make the potential once-in-a-lifetime experience even more special for the cheerleaders.

“Unbeknownst to us, we did not realize that they were not with the same production,” said Garrick. “So many people gravitated towards us and were so encouraging. The entire weekend, people kept calling us, “the girls from Hawaii,” because of our authenticity, warmth and kindness.”

Because the program is still in its early stages — working to find a permanent practice facility and having yet to compete — K&C Cheer and Dance is working to find unique ways to grow while giving its athletes opportunities to develop skills, enjoy themselves and build lasting bonds with their teammates.

The academy’s cheerleading program features two teams divided by age groups ranging from age 5 to 17. K&C Cheer & Dance Academy is led by founders and coaches Kisha Stewart and Cici Hernandez, both Lahaina residents and former cheerleaders.

For next year’s winter and spring season, the plan is to host a showcase at home in Lahaina, featuring competition-style routines.

“Our passion and excitement for the sport are what pushed us to start K&C, to give our Lahaina kids a place to continue learning, growing, and building confidence year-round,” said Garrick.

The All-Star Spirit Extravaganza Parade will be March 7, 2026. The annual celebration gives youth performance teams the opportunity to showcase their talents, and the team is currently raising money for the trip.

Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/dd8364a76.

“This opportunity means everything to our kids,” Stewart said. “Their perseverance and heart have been extraordinary. This trip is about more than performing; it’s about healing, unity and showing the world the strength of Lahaina.”

Money raised will support travel, lodging, parade participation fees and performance attire for 24 young athletes and their families.

“This team has given our kids confidence and a sense of belonging,” said Katie Wilson, a parent of one of the team members. “Being invited to perform at Disneyland is something they’ve worked so hard for, and it represents hope and pride for our community. We are incredibly proud of them.”

Courtesy photo