Team Kihei in Action at Kalama Park
While many were reaching for boxes of chocolates this past Saturday, February 14th, our Kihei team was reaching for buckets and grabbers. This Valentine’s Day, we decided to show our first love— the ocean— some extra attention by joining the Surfrider Foundation Maui for the "Love Your Coast" cleanup. It was the perfect morning to put our hearts into action and celebrate the island we call home.
Protecting Our Kihei Coastline
The day was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together to mālama ʻāina (care for the land). Our crew joined a sea of dedicated volunteers to remove debris from the sand and the shoreline, ensuring our coastline remains pristine for the next generation.
For our Kihei crew, this was a particularly meaningful day because the work took place right in our own backyard. Makena (left), our Kihei Store Manager, shared that the team had a great experience participating in the event. She noted that it is always rewarding to give back, but what made it even more special was that the cleanup took place right in front of our store. This proximity gave the team an added sense of responsibility and pride, knowing they were helping care for the space our customers and community enjoy every day (Photo courtesy Makena Carter).
Why We Show Up
From large debris to the smallest scraps, no piece of litter is too small to make a difference. Our Kihei team spent the morning scouring the beach and surrounding grass at Kalama Park, proving that stewardship requires a sharp eye. Participating in events like these is at the very core of our Eco Mission. While the coast might look clean at a glance, the real impact happens when you look closer to collect microplastics, cigarette butts, and discarded fishing gear. These items are critical to remove before they reach the water and pose a threat to our precious marine life (Photo courtesy Makena Carter).
At KaiAloha Supply, we call our nonprofit partners like the Surfrider Foundation our Eco Warriors. Through our Canvas Bag Program, we have been able to support their efforts financially, but there is nothing quite like getting our own hands dirty to show our aloha. Whether we are out in the water or walking the shoreline, our goal is to inspire others to live a lifestyle that honors and preserves our natural resources.
Join the Movement
If you missed this cleanup, you can still get involved by checking the Surfrider Maui volunteer portal for upcoming events. Next time you are in Kihei, stop by the shop to say hi to Makena and the crew. We would love to tell you more about our latest conservation efforts and help you find the perfect gear for your next ocean adventure (Photo courtesy Makena Carter).
Mahalo to the Surfrider Foundation and everyone who came out to help us care for our coastline!
