RELEASE NUMBER 68 | 25
Beloved Surf Competition at Honolua Bay Extends Invitations to Educators Alongside First Responders and Military Supporting Youth Ocean Safety Programs on Maui
Kā‘anapali, HI – The 2nd Annual First Responder and Military Honolua Classic has issued a Green Light alert as of December 3, 2025, signaling that ideal surf conditions are approaching for this weekend (December 6–7). Co-hosted by OUTRIGGER Kā’anapali Beach Resort and Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy, this year’s invitation-only competition marks a significant expansion: welcoming educators for the first time alongside Maui’s first responders and military personnel.
The first heat of the contest will run on Saturday, December 6th following the opening ceremony at 7 a.m. There will be twelve, fifty-minute heats, each categorized by respective teams of Ocean Safety specialists, the Coast Guard, EMS/Medics, Military personnel and teachers. The public is invited to watch the spectacular competition, and cheer on the competitors. Food will be provided by sponsors such as Maui Brewing Company, Duke’s, Fork and Salad Maui and Waikomo.
“This year represents an exciting evolution for the Honolua Classic,” said Zane Schweitzer, Lahaina-born world champion waterman and co-founder of Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy. “By opening the lineup to educators, we’re recognizing all those who serve and shape our community day in and day out.”
Schweitzer, alongside U.S. Coast Guard Officer Dylan McCall, who played a crucial role in rescue operations during the August 8, 2023 wildfires, created the Honolua Classic in 2024 to thank local heroes and give back to the community. All proceeds of this surf competition benefit the Lahaina Junior Lifeguard Program and Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy’s free youth mentorship programs, which focus on ocean safety, environmental guardianship and cultural connection.
OUTRIGGER Kā’anapali Beach Resort returns as co-title sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to ocean stewardship and community support. “Year two of the Honolua Classic allows us to deepen our partnership with Kahākūkahi and expand our impact,” said Edwin Torres, General Manager of OUTRIGGER Kā’anapali Beach Resort. “These competitors don’t just respond to emergencies or serve our community. These are the people teaching our kids, protecting our shores and building our future, and uniting at Honolua Bay is our way of saying thank you.”
The competition takes place at one of Hawaii’s most iconic surf breaks, with participants competing for a cause that directly impacts Maui’s youth. Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy’s programs combine surf instruction with mental health support and environmental education. OUTRIGGER’s brand philosophy aligns deeply, with protection of the ocean and uplifting ocean-centered communities at the forefront of their operations. Since its establishment as a 501(c)(3) in 2021, the Kahākūkahi Foundation has expanded significantly, especially following the Lahaina wildfires. Since the establishment of the organization’s physical location on February 8th, 2024, Kahākūkahi has impacted over 5,600 people, including over 3,000 keiki/haumana (students) across 15 schools on Maui, Moloka’i, and Hawai’i Island through school field trips and outreach programs and nearly 150 programs. Programming is collaborative with several local organizations allowing the foundation to mobilize water activations at local surf competitions, beach cleanups, and assisting those with mental and physical disabilities in the water.
2nd Annual First Responder and Military Honolua Classic Event Details:
Date: December 6-7, 2025
Time: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Honolua Bay, Maui
Parking: Limited, carpooling encouraged. All drivers must present a work ID needed for security access at check-in.
For more details about the First Responder and Military Honolua Classic, including event updates, volunteering opportunities, or how to contribute, visit the Kahākūkahi Foundation website, follow @frm_honolua_classic on Instagram or call (808) 205-0918. Celebrate Maui’s heroes and support the future of ocean stewardship. Donations to this vital cause are welcomed HERE. For additional information and to reserve oceanfront accommodations for the competition period, visit www.outrigger.com. Reserve your stay in OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resortʻs spacious, reimagined rooms before December 9th, 2025 to redeem OUTRIGGER’s annual Cyber Sale deals with proceeds for all Hawai‘i properties supporting the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
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