Kohanaiki, also known as Pine Trees, was bustling Saturday with families attending the 26th annual Surf for the Earth and Beach Clean Up.
Sponsored by the Kohanaiki Ohana, the annual event drew 149 keiki aged 14 and under for a full day of fun, surfing competitions, raffles, games and prizes and the chance to clean up the popular surf spot.
Keiki Surf for the Earth is teaching keiki to malama the ‘aina in a surf competition that has no losers.
The family-friendly event encouraged ohana to camp at Kohanaiki and to clean up the areas around their campsites, teaching keiki to be good stewards of the land.
The youth painted new signs promoting stewardship that will be displayed along the roadway, and had the opportunity to learn first aid/CPR and ocean rescue training.
Volunteer Shawna Sale said it takes six to seven months of planning to put on the event. Last year, for the 25th anniversary, they held a two-day event, and do so every five years.
Founding member of the Kohanaiki Ohana Karen Eoff said it was good to see generations of surfers come together.
“When we started we wanted the community to know the importance of beach stewardship, so we had Surf for the Earth foe Earth Day. We continue to educate children to take care of Kohanaiki,” she said. “It’s just great seeing parents and kids together. It’s a celebration of family, camping and surfing.”
Eoff said she was happy to see keiki who participated and have since grown up bring their own kids to the event.
“It’s a generational gathering place,” she said.
A previous participant, 15-year-old Kirra Werner, came back this year to volunteer because she aged out of the competition.
“Last year was my last time competing, but I wanted to come down and hang out with my friends and help them have fun,” she said while helping keiki paint signs.
“It comes around full circle,” said Eoff. “There are lots of connections out there.”
Based on the donations from local business — including gift certificates, gear, skateboards, surfboards, backpacks and more — the connections are stronger than ever.
The entry fee for the competition included a T-shirt, swag bag, participation pendant and food.
Competitions included age groups for long board, short board and body board.
“I like Keiki Surf because everyone has a good time,” said surfer Liliann.