Giving back to the community has been a long-standing commitment of businesses in Poipu. Whether it is supporting the New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Poipu Beach Park, volunteering for The Kauai Marathon, or participating in the Tunnel of Trees Clean-Up, Poipu Beach Resort Association members are always willing to lend a helping hand or support with financial donations. Here are a few inspiring stories:
Whaler’s Cove Resort, provides not only luxury condominium rentals, but also donations to Lawai International Center and has also supported two local sporting events: The Kukui’ula Outrigger Canoe Club Race Series and the Koloa Sugar Mill Run.
The Lawai Beach Resort, a South Shore timeshare, donates canned goods to the food bank monthly. These donations are provided not only by their employees, but unit owners and guests as well. They also give back to the South Shore by organizing and facilitating beach cleanups along the shores fronting the resort. This includes picking up trash, cutting back the foliage and removing loose rocks on the beach.
Suite Paradise vacation rentals primarily support the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter. They also donate to other projects including providing maintenance at the corner of the bypass and Poipu road, Rotary Club of Poipu Beach, a women’s shelter, and beach enhancements at Brennecke’s Beach.
The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon had its first race in 2009. Since its inception, the event has depended on hundreds of volunteers each year on race day to assist with course directions, parking, water disbursement, award distribution, and more. Over $55,000 has been generously donated to numerous local non-profit groups volunteering for these race day activities. Additionally, for the last two years, The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon has established the One Grand Mile charity campaign, where companies can sponsor a mile marker along the half marathon course for $1,000. The $30,000 collected was distributed to various non-profit groups on Kauai.
Holo Holo Boat Charters supports island wide community events through organizations such as Rotary Club of Poipu Beach, which hosts free Movies in the Park at Poipu Beach Park in July and August. They also sponsor The Kauai Lifeguard Association, The Kauai Marathon, Kauai Bum Run, Koloa Plantation Days, Waimea Plantation Days, Koloa Sugar Mill Run, Taste of Hawaii, Concert in the Sky Fourth of July and various canoe races in addition to youth organizations, such as the junior life guard program, AYSO, and POP Warner (Lihue, Hanapepe, Koloa).
Living Foods Gourmet Market and Cafe, recently purchased by Kauai residents Jeff Sacchini and Howard Warner, is a generous partner to community events, fundraisers and non-profit groups. They have provided food for The Kauai Marathon and the Roots ‘n Shoots Fun Run, as well as cash donations and silent auction items to island residents fundraising for medical bills.
Mahalo to these amazing Kauai organizations for their generous financial support, and for keeping the ‘aina pristine and clean. It is what sets Poipu apart from other vacation destinations!