Hundreds Paddle Out in Waikiki to Surf Queens and Fundraise for Maui Wildfire Survivors

Jade Eckardt
·2 min read
14

For the last few weeks, we've reported on the devastating and horrific damage that wildfires have inflicted on Maui and its residents.

As wildfire survivors begin to heal and rebuild, the community continues to come together with donations, supplies, and bringing awareness to the situation.

But the painful aftermath is far from over, and over the weekend hundreds gathered for a community paddle out in Waikiki on Oahu to surf Queens and raise money for wildfire survivors.

The edit above was posted by Na Kama Kai, a youth organization founded by world champ longboarder Duane DeSoto. It was captioned:

"Maui, we are with you. Mahalo to the hundreds who joined us for our paddle out yesterday, for sending aloha and mana to our ʻohana in Maui through oli, pule, and mele. 🧡"

The paddle out was organized by Na Kama Kai as part of the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival, which facilitiates an annual week of ocean events in honor of Kahanamoku's legacy.

This year, the festival is donating the proceeds to helping wildfire survivors.

"In light of the devastating fires on Maui, the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation will donate the proceeds of this year’s Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival to benefit our Maui community. Events will occur as scheduled, and the people of Maui will be in our hearts as we gather together. We thank you for your continued support as we strive to perpetuate Duke’s legacy of aloha."

On DeSoto's personal Instagram post he wrote:

"Oʻahualua coming together in 🙏🏽 much of the Maui relief effort was started in the ocean and we will come back to ocean as we heal, grieve, rebuild for years to come. Itʻs a committment to you Maui Nui A Kama from day 1 till pau ʻOhana DeSoto & ʻOhana Nā Kama Kai & O’ahu will be here 💯 Mahalo nui our OCEAN ‘OHANA we are a special community & I love you so much!"

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