​Maui Visitor Industry Gifts Na Kupuna Residents

WAILUKU, MAUI – Members of the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) were excited to deliver meals and gifts to 500 Maui County seniors today, during the annual Winter Na Kupuna Appreciation Event!

“Taking care of community is what our visitor industry does,” said John Pele, Executive Director of MHLA. “Our home-bound kupuna are not able to experience a hotel meal or have social interactions. So, giving back to our seniors like this is a special way for our hotels and businesses make a difference.”

This year, gourmet meals were prepared in the kitchens of Andaz Maui, Wailea Beach Resort, Four Seasons, Montage Kapalua, Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Westin Kaʻanapali Ocean Resort, Marriott's Maui Ocean Club, Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua! The OUTRIGGER Ka’anapali Beach Resort and the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas also made monetary donations to support the cause, while Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate generously provided treats which were gift-wrapped by UH Maui student volunteers. Allied partners who helped in transporting the meals from resort kitchens to Kaunoa Senior Center in Paia included Sustainable Island Products, Premier Restoration, Enterprise Rentals and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters! Volunteers joined Meals on Wheels to hand-deliver these meals and gifts to seniors at their homes throughout the island. Other contributors to the event included Councilmember Tom Cook, Maui Photo Hub & Pacific Dream Photography!

“Partnering this morning with the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, and the County of Maui’s Meals on Wheels program was a meaningful reminder of how deeply this community shows up for our Kupuna.” said Councilmember Cook. “I’m proud to stand with organizations that work every day to uplift those who have given so much to our island Ohana. As we enter the holidays, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help ensure our seniors feel the care, dignity, and connection they deserve this season.”

The visitor industry will continue to give back in 2026 with The Maui County Charity Walk in May, The Excellence in Education Golf Tournament in August, and the Na Kupuna Appreciation Event in December. For more information on how to be involved, visit www.mauihla.org.

Photo Caption: (1) MHLA Volunteers, Kaunoa Team and Meals on Wheels by Maui Photo Hub, (2) Westin Kaʻanapali Ocean Villas Team delivering to kupuna by Pacific Dream Photography, (3) John Pele delivering to kupuna by Maui Photo Hub