The event will feature a Keiki & ‘Ohana Catch and Release Fishing Tournament and “Haunted Reef” to explore. PHOTO BY ANANDA STONE.

KAANAPALI – 2018 is the International Year of the Reef – an official designation that comes along only once every ten years – while many within the Maui conservation community would prefer to celebrate coral reefs on an ongoing basis.

They still appreciate any opportunity to throw a party, however, and this year’s Ridge to Reef Rendezvous and Keiki & ‘Ohana Catch and Release Fishing Tournament will certainly fit the bill.

This free, family-friendly, fun-filled community gathering to celebrate mauka to makai stewardship in West Maui will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Kahekili Beach Park (Old Airport Beach) in North Kaanapali (65 Kai Ala Drive) and will feature food, prizes and a “Haunted Reef” to explore just in time for Halloween.

Beginning at 8 a.m. with the fishing tournament, the main event’s check-in will start at 9 a.m. (to include a free T-shirt giveaway to the first 50 first-time attendees). Those who participate in the fun and educational scavenger hunt will be entered to win fabulous prizes donated by generous Maui businesses.

Lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis by The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas and CJ’s Deli & Diner. Attendees will also receive free tickets for the upcoming first-ever Ocean-Friendly Car Wash on Maui, benefitting Lahainaluna High School, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Old Lahaina Luau parking lot.

Organizers have also scheduled an additional free public event leading up to Saturday’s gathering. A Science Night hosted by Kohola Brewery in Lahaina (910 Honoapiilani Highway, #55) on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. will feature the presentation “How are Maui’s Reefs Doing” by Russell Sparks, aquatic biologist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources. Minors are now welcomed to the brewery as long as they are accompanied by a legal guardian.

The Keiki Catch and Release Fishing Tournament will feature more fun and prizes. It’s open to youth of all ages who are accompanied by an adult. There is no entry fee to participate. Entrants will also need to bring their own fishing gear.

Grant support for these events has been provided by the state DLNR, Division of Aquatic Resources, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

For more information on the Ridge to Reef Rendezvous and associated events, visit www.facebook.com/WestMauiKumuwai, e-mail WestMauiKumuwai@gmail.com or call (808) 283-1631.

For questions about the fishing tourney, contact Adam Wong at (808) 243-5294 or Adam.K.Wong@hawaii.gov.