Zane Kekoa Schweitzer shares the importance of being eco-friendly. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa’s wellness program is held the first Friday of the month on the resort’s Beach Lawn.

KAANAPALI – Local waterman and eco-athlete Zane Kekoa Schweitzer on July 6 led 30 resort guests, island visitors and local residents in a Waterman’s Beach Cleanup on Kaanapali Beach.

Organized by The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, the wellness program is held on the first Friday of the month on the resort’s Beach Lawn.

Welcoming all age groups, the hour-long activity features celebrated watermen and women sharing their knowledge of the national marine sanctuary fronting Kaanapali Beach and the importance of “malama ‘aina” (protecting the land) through the beach cleanup activity as the sun rises above the majestic Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains).

“We are delighted to provide a unique, meaningful and mindful travel experience that we hope stays with guests when they return home and continues the malama ‘aina spirit that is so important in Hawaii,” said Thomas Foti, general manager of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa.

For the third consecutive month, Schweitzer led the Novice Enthusiast level of Westin Maui Waterman.

Aaron Ober and his daughter, Anna, from Cumberland, Rhode Island use sand sifters to remove smaller particles of rubbish.

At the mere age of 24, he has made remarkable accomplishments and continues to evoke a passion to create an impactful difference in the community.

A third generation professional waterman, ocean advocate and multi-world champion in windsurfing and stand-up racing, surfing and foiling, Schweitzer speaks to audiences young or old, in water sports or beyond, to share inspiration and practices that can create a “deep blue lifestyle” and easy to implement action steps.

“My learning journey most recently sparked my mission to be an eco-ambassador for the ocean, the environment and to innovate and inspire the next generation. By being involved in The Westin Maui Waterman program, I am able to further share my knowledge and connection with the ocean that stem from my lifelong pursuit of my passion – the ocean as our home and our playground,” he said.

Having met Schweitzer during their Maui stay, Kailua-Kona resident Donica and her spouse, Abraham Shouse, were thrilled to participate in Westin Maui Waterman.

Joining them were C.T. Folding and her children, Henry and Alex Iradj, from Long Beach, California, who recently made Maui their second home.

Instead of using plastic trash bags for the beach cleanup, The Westin Maui provided discarded pillow cases, as these can be washed and recycled in the monthly beach cleanups.

Sifters were also handcrafted by resort Landscaping Manager Duane Sparkman and his team to remove smaller particles of rubbish, including pieces of plastic.

At the end of the activity, guests enjoyed light refreshments from Westin Fresh by the Juicery as a healthy start to the day.

To learn more, and to participate in future events, visit www.westinmaui.com or follow the resort’s Facebook page (@TheWestinMaui).