Aloha, my name is Benae, and I’m the owner of Little Honu Swim School in Lahaina, Maui.

On August 8, 2023, the devastating Lahaina fires changed our lives forever. We lost our home, our business, and the place where I had spent years doing what I love most—teaching children how to swim.

After more than three years, we’ve finally returned home to Lahaina. But there’s still one major piece missing: our swimming pool.

Our pool was damaged and needs approximately $30,000 in repairs before I can reopen my swim school at home.

For me, this pool has never been just a pool. It’s a place where children learn confidence, independence, and lifesaving water safety skills. It’s where little ones take their first breaths, learn to float, overcome their fears, and discover what they’re capable of.

I love teaching swimming. It’s not just my job. It’s my passion, my livelihood, and one of the ways I give back to the community I love.

Since the fire, I’ve continued traveling around Maui teaching swimming lessons wherever families have access to a pool. But many families don’t have that option. Without my own pool, there are children and families I simply can’t reach.

Reopening Little Honu Swim School in Lahaina means so much more than getting back to work.

It means:

Giving more children access to essential swimming and water safety lessons.

Bringing a much-needed service back to the Lahaina community.

Restoring my ability to support my family through the work I love.

Creating employment opportunities for my family and others in our community.

Helping rebuild a small, locally owned business after the devastating fires.

Every dollar raised will go toward the approximately $30,000 needed to repair our swimming pool and help us reopen.

Our community has already been through so much. I know rebuilding takes time, and I’m incredibly grateful that we’ve made it this far.

My hope is to get back to doing what I love, serving the families of Maui, and helping children become safe, confident swimmers.

If you’re able to donate, no amount is too small. And if you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser means just as much.

From the bottom of my heart, mahalo for supporting Little Honu Swim School, my family, and the continued rebuilding of our Lahaina community.

With love and aloha,

Benae

Little Honu Swim School