The first-ever First Responder and Military Honolua Classic, supported by OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort and Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy, is scheduled for one weekend between Dec. 15, 2024, and Jan. 10, 2025. Firefighters, lifeguards, police, and military members will participate in the first First Responder & Military Honolua Classic surf competition, jointly hosted by OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali […]
Firefighters, lifeguards, police, and military members will participate in the first First Responder & Military Honolua Classic surf competition, jointly hosted by OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort and Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy.
This exclusive event will be held at Honolua Bay, a globally recognized surf destination, on a chosen day when wave heights are between 3-6 feet, as per Hawaiian standards. The occasion is organized by Zane Schweitzer, a renowned Lahaina surf legend and waterman, along with Lt. Dylan McCall of the Maui Coast Guard, to pay tribute to first responders and military individuals while generating funds for community programs in the area.
The funds raised will aid in revamping the Lahaina Junior Lifeguard Program, training Maui’s future lifeguards, and will benefit the Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy, which fosters youth ocean education and stewardship within Maui County.
“Upholding our local community and honoring Hawaiian heritage is fundamental to OUTRIGGER’s principles,” stated Edwin Torres, general manager of OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort. “Our collaboration with Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy and support for the Lahaina Junior Lifeguard Program aligns seamlessly with our dedication to mālama (care for) the land, the people, and the ocean. We are excited to participate in this significant event that not only honors Maui’s community heroes but also enhances the safety legacy of the island.”
Schweitzer, the founder of Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy, which aims to guide youth through ocean sports and environmental responsibility, expressed that Honolua Bay holds deep significance for him as a Lahaina local. “The First Responder and Military Honolua Classic represents our way of showing gratitude to those who selflessly safeguard our island and ‘ohana (…) while providing essential support for programs that cultivate the future stewards of the ocean,” said Schweitzer.
The event is scheduled for a weekend within the window from Dec. 15, 2024, to Jan. 10, 2025, with the specific date to be revealed 72 hours in advance depending on optimal surfing conditions.
For further information regarding the First Responder and Military Honolua Classic, including updates on the event, opportunities to volunteer, or ways to contribute, please visit the website HERE or contact (808) 205-0918. Contributions to this important initiative are appreciated HERE.
