KOAPAIR: The Ocean Academy at the Parley AIR Station
Parley Hawai'i teams up with The Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy for the second iteration of the AIR Station — a hub for community stewardship, youth mentorship and environmental connection on Maui
Since the initial launch of the Parley AIR Station in Honolulu in 2021, we’ve provided a platform for more than 40 nonprofit collaborators, local schools, artists, and activists to share their work with more than 30,000 visitors through daily workshops, community Sunset Sessions, and school field trips. These efforts helped raise awareness of plastic pollution, climate change and solutions through the Parley AIR Strategy (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign). After three years on the grounds of the Bishop Museum, it was time for a new home and community. The decision to move to Maui was made easy through the vision of longtime Parley collaborator and West Maui local Zane Kekoa Schweitzer.
Zane, a world champion waterman, surfer, foiler and author stepped up as a community leader in the wake of the tragic 2023 Lahaina fires. Zane became a key player in keeping the community safe, galvanizing global support and managing local distribution for donations and relief. A few weeks after the tragedy, he identified the need for youth recreation outlets to help families recover from the trauma. Through his nonprofit Kahākūkahi, Zane hosted Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy every weekend — providing a space where parents could drop off their kids to learn about ocean safety and simply take their minds off the fires and have fun with their peers.
Moved by Zane’s ability to positively impact the lives of so many families, we offered the Parley AIR Station to see whether a more permanent home for his Ocean Academies might enhance the work. On February 8, 2025, after a year of discussions with property owners, government entities, schools, nonprofits, and the community, the newly dubbed Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy at the Parley AIR Station (KOAPAIR) launched with a beautiful ceremony and is now officially providing support to the local community of Maui and beyond.
“we aim to inspire our keiki to experience the ocean and feel the connection between our islands, friends and 'Ohana across the world.”
Zane Kekoa Schweitzer, Founder & Executive Director Kahākūkahi Foundation
KOAPAIR: A COLLABORATIVE MISSION
The mission of Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy at the Parley AIR Station (KOAPAIR) is to uplift the mental health of Maui County’s keiki through ocean immersion, mentorship programs, ancestral discovery and environmental educational opportunities.
KOAPAIR is headquartered at Honokahua Bay (D.T. Fleming Beach Park), north of Kapalua Bay on Maui. Open seven days a week, this outdoor community classroom is dedicated to uplifting Maui’s youth by fostering environmental awareness, ocean literacy and connection to nature. Together we offer free programs including ocean sports and safety education, cultural literacy, environmental stewardship mentorship, beach cleanups and community-driven events.
Based on the Parley AIR Strategy (Avoid, Intercept and Redesign), the environmental curriculum addresses the threat of marine plastic pollution and solutions to the climate crisis that encourage every individual to reinvent our world by reimagining materials, methods and mindsets.
KOAPAIR is committed to partnering with local organizations at our regenerative facilities. The space includes retrofitted shipping container classrooms, accessible platforms, and a stage—all running on 100% solar-power with a water system for the garden and restroom.
LAUNCHING WITH THE COMMUNITY
The grand opening ceremony welcomed the community with a blessing by Uncle Wilmont Kamaunu Kahaiali‘i from Lahaina. Kahākūkahi Founder and Executive Director Zane Kekoa Schweitzer delivered a heartfelt speech, with thanks to partners Kahi Pacarro at Parley Hawai‘i and Race Randall at Maui Land & Pineapple Co., staff, parents, brothers and sisters — all part of the team. The KOAPAIR Station Team shared marine science activities with keiki, organic flavored shaved ice by Waikomo Shave Ice and vegan food by Penne Pasta and Baya Bowls, while the Maui Music Mission and Lahaina Style Band carried the celebration into sunset.
BEHIND THE NAME: Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy
Ka hā kūkahi means “first rising breath,” inspired by the koholā (humpback whales) of Lahaina. Just as a mother whale lifts her calf to the surface for its first breath, the Academy is here to uplift Maui’s keiki, guiding them on a journey of ocean immersion, mentorship, and environmental stewardship. The kaona (hidden meaning) goes even deeper. Our acronym, KOA, holds powerful symbolism:
Ko‘a – the Hawaiian word for coral, represents the foundation of life in the Ocean, resilience, and interconnectedness.
Koa – means strong, brave and fearless, reflecting our commitment to empowering koa keiki—strong children—who become leaders, guardians and stewards of their communities.
Through Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy, we envision a future where our youth, like coral reefs, thrive with strength and resilience.
"Parley is honored to collaborate with such an impactful group. It is in these times that collaborations are more important than ever, and we're ecstatic to be helping in the delivery of much-needed ocean education and mental health support.”
Kahi Pacarro, Director, Parley Pacific Ocean
GETTING THERE
The KOAPAIR can be found nearly at the end of the west side of Maui. A few miles out of Lahaina, just past Napili, you drop down at DT Fleming Beach, which we prefer to call Honokahua Bay. Once at the bottom, at the Maui County parking lot, head left and you'll see the KOAPAIR. Come on in! We're open daily from 11am - 5pm and would love to speak with you. Feel free to explore the site and learn from the signs and native plantings, or relax in our garden and just soak in the vibes.
To keep updated on upcoming events, VISIT The KOAPAIR PAGE
and follow us at @kahakukahi and @parley_airstation_hawaii
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