Save Ma'alaea

The Maui Chapter spear-headed the grass-roots initiative to influence a positive outcome at Ma’alaea – one that preserves coral, saves waves and the last remnant of the canoe-launching beach, while addressing harbor entrance navigation and safety. Surfrider conducted an independent review of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ plan to expand Ma’alaea Harbor and the Coastal Engineering Firm of Michael Walther found the Army Corps’ plan would actually increase surge and worsen entrance navigation. The Corps scrapped its plan for now, but Surfrider maintains a Ma’alaea Legal Defense Fund just in case the Corps rears its ugly plan again.

The Maui Chapter grows stronger and more effective through its membership, and your membership might mean the difference in whether the US Army Corps of Engineers succeeds in constructing its tired old plan it first designed in 1968, calling for the destruction of 4.8 acres of coral and disturbance of the critical habitat of endangered whales and turtles. The USACE plan will pave over small beach that has historic relevance and cultural significance, as it adds 620’ to the south breakwall – the length of two football fields. The goal of Surfrider Maui is to build community consensus on a locally preferred plan.

Your membership to the Surfrider Foundation will help strengthen the chances for a positive outcome at Ma'alaea. Join online with check or credit card at www.surfrider.org or call 1-800-743-SURF.

Ma’alaea Harbor – the lowdown

By Lucienne DeNaie

Ma'alaea Harbor is a quaint little South seaport famed for both its winter population of visiting whales and the legendary Ma'alaea Pipeline wave. When a robust South swell hits Maui, surfers from far and near head for Ma'alaea to experience the tubular perfection of one of the world's fastest rideable waves.

The waters and reefs of Ma'alaea are important to many species. Ma'alaea Bay is part of the National Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary - a favorite mating and birthing grounds for the endangered Humpbacks. Friendly Green Sea Turtles browse reefs that border the harbor entrance. Over one hundred species of fish and other marine life make those same reefs their home.

Ma'alaea is also a people place. Local groms learn to rip at Ma`alaea's Buzz's Wharf surf break. Outrigger canoe clubs take shelter and rest on the Harbor's small beach. Families fish off the harbor wall or spear fish on nearby reefs. Harbor-based ships ferry visitors and residents on whale watch expeditions, fishing trips and snorkel tours. Local Hawaiians know Ma'alaea as a special place from ancient times, since it is surrounded by many nearby cultural sites.

Donations, T-shirt and Photo Print sales help Surfrider’s ongoing Campaign to Save the Waves at Ma’alaea. T-shirts; Rick Leeks Photography