Mākena Golf & Beach Club Introduces Keiki Kiaʻi Kai

Mākena introduces free summer ocean safety program for Maui Youth

 

Mākena Golf & Beach Club introduces Kiaʻi Kai Keiki Academy, a complimentary summer ocean safety and stewardship program for Maui’s youth ages 8-18. Guided by Mākena’s talented watermen and water women on Maluaka Beach, kids will get the opportunity to learn valuable ocean safety practices and build conservation awareness through fun on-the-beach and in-the-ocean activity. The summer program includes day-long clinics on the following four dates June 15th, June 29th, July 27th, and August 10th.

 

“Discovery Land Company is passionate about history and culture, sustainability, and ensuring that today’s youth have the knowledge and resources required to continue to be stewards of our coastline. This program is just a natural extension of all our ongoing efforts to support youth and education initiatives in Mākena and across Maui,” said Ed Divita, Discovery Land Company.

 

Through partnerships with other coastal and open water experts, Mākena’s Keiki Kiaʻi Kai aims to increase youth’s self-confidence, physical conditioning, and ocean awareness through the introduction of water safety, first aid and rescue protocol.  The program also looks to include cultural and environmental experts of the area to incorporate coastal stewardship and conservational awareness training for the participants.  Depending on water conditions, additional recreational activity may include stand-up paddle boarding, canoe paddling or snorkeling.

 

At the helm of the program is Mākena’s Director of Outdoor Pursuits, Ka‘imi Kaneholani. A long-time watermen, Kaneholani is a certified lifeguard having served as a water safety officer on Kaua‘i’s north shore and as an instructor for an award-winning Junior and Keiki Lifeguard program. “Growing up in the islands it is important for our island keiki to not only be comfortable in the water but to understand ocean safety protocol.  Our program aims to nurture that deep connection keiki have for the ocean through water safety and environmental awareness,” said Kaneholani.

 

The keiki ocean safety clinics will be held at Maluaka Beach Park from 8:30 AM – 3 PM on June 15th, June 29th, July 27th, and August 10th. Registration for the summer program is limited to 25 participants per day. All participants must be able to swim well in open water. The free program also includes complimentary lunch. Upon completion of each clinic, participants will receive a complimentary shirt and achievement certificate.

 

“Supporting Maui’s next generation has been at the forefront of Mākena’s Charitable Contributions Campaign,” said Leahi Hall, Community Engagement Manager, “we care deeply about empowering keiki through experiential educational opportunities that deepens their connection to place and encourages their role as the next stewards of Maui’s precious natural resources. There is a Hawaiian proverb that recounts the careful and skilled observation of an albatross studying the ocean, and we work to support the next generation of skilled observers and shoreline stewards through the Keiki Kia‘i Kai program.”  Since 2013, Mākena has supported organizations benefiting Maui’s keiki, including efforts towards food security, health care and Hawaiian culture with charitable golf tournaments, events and monetary contributions.

 

To register or for more information about Mākena Golf & Beach Club’s Keiki Kiaʻi Kai visit www.makenamoments.com/events or email [email protected].

 

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About Mākena Golf & Beach Club 

The new Mākena Golf & Beach Club (MGBC) is being developed by Discovery Land Company, a privately-held, full service real estate development company whose core philosophy is to enhance the natural character and spirit of each property and develop communities focused on tradition and family. Under their leadership, MGBC has devoted itself to honoring the cultural heritage of Mākena, providing a plan for sustainability, engaging with the community, and supporting Maui’s youth through educational outreach and charity events. For more information visit www.makenamoments.com.

 

About Discovery Land Company

Discovery Land Company was founded in 1994 on an enduring love of family and nature, and the importance of building sustainable communities and supporting local charitable organizations. Over the last few decades, Discovery has supported over two hundred youth organizations surrounding its North American communities, including a Children’s Village in Idaho, Safehouse of the Desert in California, and Kona’s Child and Family Services. For more information visit www.discoverylandco.com.