Nā Kama Kai

Empowering keiki's sense of aloha and kuleana for the world by connecting them to the kai and ʻāina.

Click here to reference the links we mention in our posts: https://linktr.ee/nakamakai

06/18/2026

We’re proud to see Nā K**a Kai Alakaʻi graduate Kalā DeSoto recognized in this weeks MidWeek for his incredible achievements both in and out of the water. 🌊🧡

From becoming the youngest surfer to win multiple divisions at the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout to earning the Waterman Award at the Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic, Kalā continues to demonstrate what is possible through dedication, humility, and a deep connection to the ocean.

What inspires us most is not just his success as a surfer, but his commitment to giving back. Kalā continues to volunteer at Nā K**a Kai Ocean Clinics, helping keiki build confidence in the water while sharing the ocean knowledge and values that helped shape his own journey.

As Kalā shared in the article, learning about waves, currents, tides, and ocean safety through Nā K**a Kai helped him become more comfortable in the ocean and played a role in his development as a professional surfer.

Today, Kalā represents the next generation of watermen, carrying forward ʻike, kuleana, and aloha while inspiring those who will follow in his footsteps. 🤙🏽

Read the full article here: www.midweek.com/a-rising-tide/

**aKai

06/17/2026

🎉 Hauʻoli Lā Hānau, Adelin! 🎉

Today, we’re celebrating Adelin and the incredible work of Smile Wave, whose mission continues to create positive change and bring smiles to communities around the world. 🌊🧡

As Duane DeSoto shared: “Happy Birthday to a man whose generosity is global. Proud to call you a friend.”

From all of us at Nā K**a Kai, mahalo for your friendship, your heart, and the impact you continue to make around the world.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday and another year filled with joy, adventure, and aloha. 🤙🏽🌎

**aKai

06/15/2026

Mahalo e ko Waimānalo 🌊

We were blessed with an amazing morning of pilina (connecting) with the Kai of the Ko’olau side. From our curriculum tents learning about the key values of ocean safety and our kai, to paddling in the beautiful water of this famous ahupua’a.

Mahalo to all the ‘ohana that came out with your keiki to learn and enjoy, and to our volunteers and team for an amazing day of sharing your knowledge. See you guys next month at Hale‘iwa ⭐️

06/11/2026

Hauʻoli Lā Hānau to Nā K**a Kai’s COO, Matt Kauwe! 🎉

Matt plays a vital role in helping bring our mission to life, ensuring our programs, events, and operations continue to serve keiki and communities across Hawaiʻi. His leadership, commitment, and willingness to step in wherever needed make a lasting impact both behind the scenes and out in the community.

We are grateful for the care, dedication, and positive energy he brings to Nā K**a Kai each day. Mahalo for all that you do, Matt, and for helping create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

Join us in wishing Matt a very happy birthday! 🤙🏽

06/08/2026

Each year on June 8, World Ocean Day serves as a reminder of the vital role the ocean plays in our lives. From producing much of the oxygen we breathe to regulating our climate and supporting countless ecosystems, it sustains both people and the planet.

World Ocean Day is also an opportunity to reflect on our collective responsibility to protect and care for our marine environments. Healthy oceans are essential for future generations, making education, stewardship, and conservation more important than ever.

At Nā K**a Kai, the ocean is at the center of our mission. Through our clinics, educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and community partnerships, we strive to cultivate a lifelong connection to the kai while empowering keiki to become confident waterpeople, environmental stewards, and future leaders.

This World Ocean Day, we encourage everyone to spend time in, on, or near the water and reflect on how we can all help protect and mālama this precious resource.

06/04/2026

Make a difference in the lives of Hawaiʻi's keiki by volunteering with Nā K**a Kai 🤙

Our Ocean Safety & Conservation Awareness Clinics rely on dedicated volunteers who help create safe, fun, and meaningful experiences for the next generation of ocean stewards. Whether you're an experienced waterperson, community member, student, or simply someone who wants to give back, there's a place for you on our team.

By volunteering, you'll help keiki build confidence in the ocean, learn important safety skills, and develop a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi's natural and cultural resources.

Join us in sharing knowledge, fostering aloha for the ocean, and inspiring the next generation. Visit nakamakai.org/kokua/ to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

📸:

06/02/2026

The next Nā K**a Kai Ocean Clinic is heading to Waimānalo and registration is now OPEN! 🌊

Nā K**a Kai’s free Ocean Safety & Conservation Awareness Clinics give keiki the opportunity to build confidence in the ocean while learning valuable skills through swimming, surfing, paddling, voyaging, and ocean safety education.

Families are invited to join us in Waimānalo for a day of learning, connection, and fun in the ocean.

📅 Date: Sunday, June 14
Keiki Clinics: 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Waimānalo Beach

Registration is free and OPEN at nakamakai.org/clinics

05/30/2026

Ocean Safety Month may be coming to a close, but ocean safety is something we carry with us year-round 🌊

This month, we shared resources, tools, and reminders to help build awareness and confidence in and around the water. One of those resources is our Makaʻala Bay video series, created to help keiki and ʻohana learn important ocean safety lessons in an engaging and accessible way.

Makaʻala Bay follows ocean-based adventures while teaching practical safety skills like recognizing hazards, understanding ocean conditions, and making safe decisions at the beach and in the water. It’s a resource designed to help continue these conversations at home, in classrooms, and in the community.

All episodes of Makaʻala Bay are available online anytime at nakamakai.org/makaala/. Visit our website to watch and keep learning with us 🤙🏽

05/29/2026

Sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself before getting in the water. Long hours at the beach and in the ocean mean increased sun exposure, and protecting your skin is an important part of staying safe outdoors.

But what we put on our skin can also impact the ocean around us. Many common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine life, which is why choosing reef-safe options matters.

When heading to the beach, look for mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These help protect your skin while reducing harm to our marine ecosystems.

A few easy sun safety reminders:
🧴 Choose lotion-based sunscreen over sprays
👕 Wear sun-protective clothing
🌴 Take shade breaks during peak sun hours
🔁 Reapply every two hours

Ocean safety starts before you get in the water. Protect yourself and help protect the places we all enjoy 🤙🏽

Address

Waianae, HI
96792

Telephone

+18087724194

Website

http://nakamakai.org/, http://linktr.ee/nakamakai

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Nā Kama Kai posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Waianae?