2014 Makai to Mauka Fundraiser

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This year’s fundraiser included two events that reflect HOK’s mission: 
Protecting ocean health by restoring the ʻāina: mauka to makai.  

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Huakaʻi Makai 

The first event, Huakaʻi Makai (journey to the ocean), took place on Sunday, November 2nd on Kailua Bay.  This makai event included a race for ocean enthusiasts in the categories of swimming, outrigger paddling and stand-up paddle boarding, choosing from three different courses in Kailua Bay.  This event was a partnership with Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks, Kanaka Ikaika Racing Association and Kailua Masters Swim Club that aims to raise awareness about HOK’s efforts to protect ocean health. 

Huakaʻi Mauka

The second event, Huakaʻi Mauka (journey to the mountains), took place on Saturday, November 8th.  This mauka event was an elegant evening on the ranch featuring a cocktail hour with pupu's by Sweet Home Waimanalo and jeep tours to view HOK's Hakipuʻu Stream Restoration Project.  The festivities also included a farm to fork dinner collaboration by Chef Mark "Gooch" Noguchi of Pili Group, Chef John Memering of Cactus and Chef Kealoha Domingo of NuiKealoha.  The evening also featured live music from Keauhou & Kaimi Hananoeau, an open beer and wine bar, a dessert bar and a robust silent auction.  

“During the course of any year, I attend several charitable events, and I have to say, that my wife, our guests and I thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Huakaʻi Mauka.  Getting to visit a HOK project at beautiful Kualoa Ranch, enjoying ono farm-to-table dishes from some of our best local chefs, and spending an evening under the stars, was really great after arriving, that day, from a long vacation in New Zealand. It was a great reminder of how beautiful Hawaii is, and what HOK is doing to keep it that way.” 
-Vincent Shigekuni, Vice-President PBR Hawaiʻi & Associates

“HOK’s Huakaʻi Mauka fundraiser was incredible! The jeep tour to the restoration site was like a mini-adventure tour - swooping over the rolling hills, with beautiful views of the Koʻolau and Kaneohe Bay.  Diner under the stars was elegant, romantic and delicious.  The music was great, and an unbelievable variety of food kept coming out to our table.  The family style dining really got everyone at the tables to engage with each other.  It was absolutely perfect.  I can’t wait until next year.”  
-Senator Laura Thielen

Mahalo for making our inaugural fundraiser a huge success!