Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy in West Maui needs help recovering from storm damage
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Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy is hoping to secure $18,000 in donations to help repair classrooms, its solar system and a waʻa damaged by hurricanes Lala and Lowell before fall school programs begin.
The West Maui nonprofit initially set a $30,000 fundraising goal. Two anonymous donors have since contributed 15 solar panels and a four-person waʻa, or voyaging canoe, reducing the remaining need to $18,000.
The group said the money will be used to repair the damaged waʻa, restore classroom doors and flooring and install the donated solar panels.
Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy provides free ocean-based education and mentorship programs for West Maui children. Since the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, the organization has used hands-on ocean activities to support children's well-being and help them reconnect with the ocean and their community.
"We will continue showing up. We're pivoting programs, honoring our commitments to schools and families, and doing everything we can to keep our keiki connected while we rebuild," Zane said Schweitzer, the academy's founder and executive director.
A close-up shows damage to one of Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy's waʻa following hurricanes Lala and Lowell. Photo courtesy Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy
Created in 2000, the academy also offers environmental stewardship activities, its Riding the Waves of Life mentorship program and pathways to internships and scholarships for young people interested in ocean-related careers.
Donations can be made online at kahakukahi.org/donate. Checks payable to Kahākūkahi can be mailed to 657 Kai Hele Ku St., Lahaina, HI 96761.
Storm damage left a hole in part of a classroom at Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy. Donations will help repair classroom doors and flooring and install donated solar panels. Photo courtesy Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy
Cracks and punctures are visible along the hull of a waʻa damaged by hurricanes Lala and Lowell. Photo courtesy Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy