​Maui Visitor Industry Gifts Meals & Treats to Na Kupuna Residents

WAILUKU, MAUI – Members of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) were thrilled to deliver meals and gifts to Maui County seniors during their annual Winter Na Kupuna Appreciation Event held on December 13. Over 500 gourmet meals were prepared in the kitchens of Andaz Maui, Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Maui, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, Montage Kapalua Bay, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua,Wailea Beach Resort, and The OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort. The Napili Kai Beach Resort and the Montage Kapalua Bay made monetary donations to support the cause, while Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate and Maui Fruit Jewels generously provided treats which were gift-wrapped by UH Maui students volunteers. Allied partners, Premier Restoration, Enterprise Rentals and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters transported the prepared meals from the island-wide resort locations to Kaunoa Senior Services in Paia. From there, volunteers joined Meals on Wheels to hand-deliver these meals and gifts to seniors at their homes throughout the island. Volunteers included Andaz Maui Chef Ritchard; Napili Shores General Manager, Henry “Hap” Judd; Westin Nanea Ocean Villas General Manager; Chris Rabang, and Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Manager of the Hawaiian Culture & Activities, Oralani Koa.

“It is always a pleasure and honor to participate in this event,” said Chris Rabang. “The greetings of smiles and joy from our kupuna when we delivered their holiday meals and makana just makes all the difference for them and for me personally.”

This year, Jade Rojas-Letisi, Council Aide from the Office of Councilmember Nohelani U’u-Hodgins also joined MHLA in delivering crises support kits including battery operated radios to the Kupuna in the Paia-Haiku district.

“We are honored to be a part of this event and grateful for the opportunity to contribute,” said Jade Rojas-Letisi. “These moments of connection are so important, reminding our seniors that they are valued and cared for. It’s a small way to give back to those who have given so much for our community.”

The visitor industry will continue The Na Kupuna Appreciation Event in April followed by The Maui County Charity Walk in May. For more information on how to be involved, visit www.mauihla.org.

Photo Caption: (1) MHLA and Kaunoa Team by Maui Photo Hub, (2) GM Chris Rabang and Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Team by Pacific Dream Photography, (3) Chef Ritchard from Andaz & Jade Rojas-Letisi,Council Aide for Nohelani U’u Hodgins by Maui Photo Hub, More Dropbox Assets available in link