Help Support the Lahaina Maui Wave Riders Ohana

Hello, my name is Trey Thompson, and I would like your help to support the Lahaina Maui Wave Ohana.

Lahaina Maui Wave Riders has been a part of Lahaina since 1997. Visitors and locals alike would come through the shop to talk stories, hang out with friends, and learn to surf. Sometimes just to grab a board and paddle out at Breakwall. Kyle took over the business in 2018, and built a culture that prioritized community, caring and friendship. Folks would come from all over and learn to surf with teachers who practice Aloha in every way. There are so many great stories of teaching people from all walks of life, all abilities. The shop was truly a welcoming, warm place that emanated joy. When Covid hit in 2020, the business took a hit. Tourism was at a standstill and left the team unemployed and unable to do any business. Kyle still showed up to the shop every day preparing it for an eventual reopening, improving any little bit he could to make it even better. The team would hang out at the shop during this time just to be together. By Summer of 2023, Lahaina town was back. It was one of the busiest seasons on record. The MWR was having to close classes and preparing for the last few weeks of the summer rush, bringing smiles to faces before everyone had to go back to school. When the fires came on August 8, 2023, there was no preparation for the devastation. The shop- ironically an historic building, the old fire station- burned to the ground and reduced to ash. From aerial photos it is clear nothing survived. The employees have lost everything. Most are now homeless and now have lost their livelihoods for the time being. We are thankful that all employees have been accounted for, it is going to be a long road of rebuilding. We learned that Kyle does not have property insurance. He is applying for every federal loan available, but it is not enough. We are devastated that our beloved shop is gone. Any help is so appreciated. The plan is to fundraise to be able to help employees with housing and basic needs, and to rebuild the shop. The hope is that some day the heart of the shop will persevere. And while everything tangible is gone, when Lahaina gets to a place of healing folks will be able to return there to talk stories, hang out, and foster the joy and love of surfing for locals and visitors alike.

Mahalo!