Restoring the Ala Wai Canal with the Genki Ala Wai Project

On September 19, members of our KaiAloha Supply ohana joined the Genki Ala Wai Project and OutriggerCARES for a volunteer event at Waikīkī Beach Walk. The mission: create Genki Balls to help restore the Ala Wai Canal so that it can once again become a clean, fishable, and swimmable waterway for the community.

Representing KaiAloha Supply was our District Manager Karen, Store Manager Sam, and team member Anissa, who proudly contributed their time and energy alongside dozens of other volunteers.

Volunteers gathered under the OutriggerCARES tents to kick off the event. Together, more than 2,000 Genki Balls were made—adding to the 12,000+ already contributed to restoring the Ala Wai. (KaiAloha Supply / Karen Ruiz) 

Sam and Anissa rolled up their sleeves, mixing soil, rice bran, and beneficial microbes to form the Genki Balls that will be placed into the Ala Wai Canal. (KaiAloha Supply / Karen Ruiz) 

The Genki Ala Wai Project, started in 2019, uses bioremediation to restore the canal’s health. By engaging students, residents, and businesses, it fosters community ownership of environmental stewardship. Test sites across Honolulu-- including schools and community partners-- are already seeing the positive effects of the project. Together, we’re building momentum for a cleaner, healthier canal. (KaiAloha Supply / Karen Ruiz)

This volunteer day reflected KaiAloha Supply’s mission to love, respect, and protect the ocean. We are proud to stand alongside partners like the Genki Ala Wai Project and OutriggerCARES to support initiatives that create a lasting impact on Hawai‘i’s environment and communities.

Mahalo to all who joined us-- together, we’re making waves of positive change.