Sunday, October 28, 2018, MA‘ALAEA, MAUI, HI – On Thursday, October 18, 2018, Maui Ocean Center hosted the Taste of Koholā Brewery fundraising event that raised over $3,000 to benefit the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute (MOCMI) and Maui’s Voyaging Society, Hui O Wa’a Kaulua. The 21+ over event featured six Koholā Brewery craft beer, live entertainment by local musicians, celestial navigation, and more.
MOCMI Executive Director Tommy Cutt and team hosted a Turtle Explore Station and Info Booth that promoted the non-profit’s ongoing conservation programs including the Maui Turtle Stranding Response Network and Fishing Line Recycling Program, a 2018 initiative that’s already collected over 4 miles of discarded fishing line.
Members and crew of Hui O Wa’a Kaulua shared their knowledge of Polynesian voyaging and wayfinding with guests while displaying a single-hull sailing canoe in Harbor Plaza. A special stargazing station hosted by astronomer Rakhal Kincaid featured telescopes for guests to explore the night sky.
“Evening events at the Aquarium are rare opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Maui Ocean Center in a different ambiance,” said Elyse Ditzel, Director of Marketing, “It was a great cause with local partners to bolster marine conservation efforts in Maui while supporting organizations like the Hui O Wa’a Kaulua that play an integral role in perpetuating Polynesian voyaging and celestial navigation.”
The event was sponsored in part by KAOI Radio Group and H. Hawaii Media.