Hānau Kana, He ʻĀkoʻakoʻa, Puka: Dinner Event
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Date: June 27, 2026
Location: Nāulu Farm
Fundraising Farm Dinner benefitting Maui Nui Marine Resource Council and Hui o ka Wai Ola
Join us at Mākena Golf & Beach Club on June 27, 2026, for Hānau Kana, He ʻĀkoʻakoʻa, Puka , a special fundraising dinner to celebrate the vital work of the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC) and Hui o ka Wai Ola (HOKWO). This event honors their commitment to protecting Maui’s coastal waters and coral reefs for the well-being of Hawai‘i’s communities.
Hānau kana, he ʻākoʻakoʻa, puka meaning “Born was the coral, it rises,” honors coral as the foundation of the islands and reflects the deep interconnectedness between Hawai‘i’s people, the ocean, and the environment. Guests will enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of Pu‘u Ōla‘i and Kaho‘olawe.
Seating is limited and is based on a first-to-register basis.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the honorees.
The Honorees:
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council
Founded in 2007, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC) is a Maui-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of Maui Nui’s nearshore marine ecosystems. MNMRC is committed to, and recognized for, its ability to work in close partnership with communities, landowners, scientists, and government agencies to advance a shared vision of clean ocean water, healthy coral reefs, and thriving native fish populations. Through science-based monitoring, community-driven stewardship, and collaborative, place-based conservation strategies, MNMRC addresses both land- and sea-based threats to reef health. By connecting mauka-to-makai actions with long-term ecological outcomes, MNMRC helps ensure resilient coastal ecosystems and sustainable ocean resources for current and future generations. Learn more at mauireefs.org
Hui o ka Wai Ola
Hui O Ka Wai Ola (HOKWO) is a group of scientists and community volunteers that monitor water quality at 41 sites along Maui’s leeward coastline and 5 sites along Moloka‘i’s south shore. Once every three weeks, they test each site for temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and organic and inorganic nutrients. Since 2016, HOKWO has collected and analyzed over 6,000 water quality samples. All of their data undergo a rigorous quality assurance process and are publicly accessible through multiple data publication platforms, including free access on their website at huiokawaiola.com.
HOKWO’s efforts are coordinated by the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, The Nature Conservancy, and West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative (R2R) and supplement Hawai`i Department of Health (DOH) monitoring. Their critical work is funded by grants and generous individuals, businesses, and organizations. Learn more at huiokawaiola.com
The Species That Gather Us
