When it comes to finding marine debris, Mala Wharf is a place we can count on for hauling a lot of trash. Due to the river mouth which drains into the shoreline, everything from fishing line to shopping carts and plastic bottles to bowling balls has been sighted on the ocean floor. Luckily for the health of the harbor, the Blue'Aina team sailed with another full boat to help make a dent in the debris. With calm conditions out of Lahaina Harbor, Ka'au Abrams of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary began the sail with a beautiful oli as the boat gently bobbed in the waters. Turning the corner to Mala Wharf, our team of divers and surface-based snorkelers managed to return to the boat with a full bag of trash and fistfuls of the coral-shredding fishing line.

Thanks to the joint sponsorship of Destination Maui Inc, Lynette Poncin, and Trilogy Excursions, not only was the sail was able to raise $900 for the Hawaii National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, but also give 55 people the opportunity to get out on the water, clean the reef, and raise awareness about the issues of marine plastics and the need to protect our shorelines.

A big mahalo to all of our dedicated participants who continue to make Blue'Aina a success, and be sure to book your spot for our March 2 sail with Honua Kai, Save the Monk Seal Foundation, and Duke's Beach House Maui!