Our second October Blue’Aina reef cleanup was unique- we met our volunteers at Ka’anapali Beach Hotel and boarded Trilogy Elua directly on the beach, after volunteers checked in and did their kokua of quickly cleaning the beach of debris.

Due to an unusual fall south swell, we cruised down the coast looking for suitable snorkel sites that weren’t too murky or swell- y. We decided to tuck in at Olowalu to escape the swell and survey the reef for marine debris and coral bleaching. We had a lovely trip down the West Maui coast, spotting flying fish and spinner dolphins on the way while feasting on a smorgasbord of breakfast pastries and fruit provided by the generous folks at Lulu’s Lahaina Surf Club & Grill. We grabbed a mooring at Olowalu and had a site briefing by Captain Caleb and a quick reef clean up orientation by Kelly, our Blue ‘Aina Coordinator and Marine Conservation and Education Director. Volunteers buddied up and brought along dive shears and mesh bags, ready to carefully remove any fishing line littering the coral reef. Snorkeling among sea turtles and 200 year old coral colonies, volunteers scanned for marine debris and observed coral bleaching, to report to DAR’s Eyes of the Reef program.

When it was time to head back to Ka’anapali, we all had an amazing onboard lunch of chicken curry pineapple wraps, veggies, chips and cookies from Lulu’s. So ono! We then heard presentations from our sponsors and about our nonprofit recipient. Kayleaf and Jessica from Lulu’s, who generously provided and delivered breakfast and lunch for our 51 volunteers, told us about Lulu’s appreciation and support of Hawai’i’s aquatic heritage, as well as their live music events, kama’aina deals, and football happy hours.

Nā ʻAikane o Maui was the nonprofit receiving the $1000 donation from Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. While they were not able to join us on the reef clean up sail due to their concurrent Aloha ‘Aina Unity March, U’i Kapu met our volunteers at Ka’anapali beach to talk story with them about Nā ʻAikane o Maui’s mission and efforts.

Then, Dee Coyle from Ka’anapali Beach Hotel told us about “The Most Hawaiian Hotel” and their wonderful dedication to honoring and perpetuating Hawaiian culture. She told us about the hotel’s daily cultural activities, including ukulele lessons and hula shows, as well as their specials and hotel traditions. She and her staff then treated all of us to a beautiful mahalo oli- what a great ending to our service trip!

Our Blue ‘Aina volunteers did a quick beach cleanup at Ka’anapali, monitored coral bleaching to report to Eyes of the Reef, sampled water quality, and supported a local nonprofit, all while enjoying a day out on Maui’s reefs. Mahalo everyone, great work!

To join us on our next Blue ‘Aina reef clean up on Sunday, November 1st, out of Lahaina Harbor, call 408-569-7986, email blueainareservations@gmail.com. Be sure to check out our full calendar at http://blog.sailtrilogy.com/blueaina-program/.

Do you know a business or restaurant interested in giving back? Email Kelly.montenero@sailtrilogy.com for information on how to be a corporate or food sponsor of the Blue ‘Aina Campaign.