Rescue Dolphin Boat In Kihei Maui

Aloha! My name is Louise and I’m fundraising to rescue my sailboat Dolphin grounded in Kihei, Maui.

 

 

The Boat

Dolphin, a 44-foot sloop, was built in 1967 and has voyaged from Mexico across the Pacific to Maui. For the last several years she has been based at her mooring off Kama’ole Beach in Kihei, a well-loved and photographed part of the scenery. Green sea turtles feed off the algae that grows on her hull. Whales and real dolphins often visit, Dolphin is my home on Maui.

 

What Happened

On the night of December 6, 2021, the unexpected and terrible “Kona Low” storm caused damage in Kihei, broke Dolphin loose of her mooring, and put her in the sand of Kama’ole Beach 1. Her hull is undamaged, but this boat needs our help to be saved. I have taken on the responsibility and costs of rescuing Dolphin and returning her to the ocean.

 

 

What Must Be Done

At my own expense I am having the diesel fuel and batteries removed to protect the beach. Repairing the mooring and moving Dolphin will be very costly, estimated at $20,000 and up and needed by the high tide. Despite the difficulty, it is important to preserve the environment of Kihei and return this oft-photographed boat to the sea quickly. Dolphin has gained many fans in Maui and around the world who want to see her rescued.

 

Since that night of December 6, many people in Maui have seen Dolphin on the beach and asked how they can help. Eventually we may all pitch in to push her off the shore. Mahalo for all your interest and support!