International Missions Support

Maui’s Mana

Although the fires destroyed so much of the island, the mana (spiritual power and strength) of the people of Maui could not be destroyed and is stronger than ever. It is in that spirit that this fundraiser was created to help the staff and families of Napili Surf rebuild their homes and lives, to tell their stories, and to honor the mana of the extraordinary people of Maui.

Fundraiser Info

Please Click Here to view Maui's Mana website, which includes fundraiser details, ways to donate, fundraising goals, info about the families, financial transparency disclosures, & all other information regarding this fundraiser to help the families of Napili Surf.

Statement from Maui's Mana Organizers

Our family lives in Los Angeles, but for years, our daughter has described Napili Surf (formally called Napili Surf Beach Resort) in Lahaina as our family’s “happy place.” Some of our best memories have been spent there, & the photos lining the halls of our home were all taken at Napili Surf. In a way we could have never expected our love for this place & the amazing people who work there has grown infinitely, because our family was at Napili Surf during the horrific Maui fires.

As the fires roared thru Lahaina on August 8th, many of the Napili Surf staff lost their homes. In the middle of this unthinkable crisis, the managers of Napili Surf (Tano & Angela Taitano) responded by opening their arms & property to the displaced staff & their families, as well as to many visitors who sought refuge after also being displaced by the fires. With no electricity or communication of any kind, we all became fast new neighbors & friends.

Within hours of their homes & lives being devastated by the fires, the staff & families of Napili Surf began doing everything they could to help others, including our family. They shared every single resource they had, even regularly trying to feed & clothe our three young children…when their own children had just run for their lives to escape the fires & had lost their own clothes, food, toys, & comforts.

Throughout the crisis, our family knew that for us & the other visitors, we would all eventually catch flights, head home, & have a sense of normalcy at some point. But for the families of Napili Surf, there is no normalcy on the horizon & no homes waiting for them to return to. They have lost their loved ones who were unable to escape. Their homes & belongings are now ash amidst the wreckage shown on the news every day. Many of the families also have deep trauma from the horrors they faced to escape the raging fires. & yet despite the unimaginable pain & loss these families are facing, they showed nothing but selflessness, kindness, love, & generosity to my family & so many others.

In honor of these extraordinary families & their inspirational mana, we ask you to please donate anything you can so that these incredible people can have the resources & opportunity to rebuild their homes, lives, & families.

With Sincere Gratitude,

Anthony Ho & Leah Porter