Submitted by the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset

On a balmy 80 degree day last December, a winter wonderland found its way to the Royal Lahaina Resort in Ka’anapali, which still housed hundreds of displaced families.

The shovels were out as snowflakes started to fall from what looked like giant bags of snow. Keiki and their ohana began to gather as more snow collected.

By the time the blizzard stopped, a line had formed with little ones eager to jump in, slippers and all, and maybe even throw their first snowball.

How was this possible?

The annual “Snow Zone” event was held at the iconic Lahaina Banyan Tree for many years and organized by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. The Rotary District of Hawaii (D5000) recognized the positive impact for the Lahaina community and the need for this event to continue in 2023. As a result, they funded the Lahaina Restoration Foundation with $10,000 to make this event happen.

Additionally, at one of the Lahaina Club meetings, when a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Rockville, Indiana learned of the devastation, they also provided financial support for the “Snow Zone”.

With these generous donations, volunteers from the three Rotary Clubs in Lahaina were able to assist the Lahaina Restoration Foundation to bring this festive annual holiday experience back to the West Maui community!

Alas, no “Snow Zone” would be complete without a cookie decorating station, in which hundreds of sugar cookies were provided by volunteers from Lahainaluna High School. So much joy (and frosting) was in the air! Every once in a while, in the background, you could even hear a distinct “Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!” That’s right, Santa and Mrs Claus were there too!

With one last special touch, members of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise purchased Christmas trees and turned them into decorative holiday sprays that residents could hang on their doors, be it a home or hotel room. Many smiles were seen that day and even days after the event. Spirits were lifted and the aloha was felt.

When the new Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick, chose “THE MAGIC OF ROTARY” as the annual theme, we couldn’t help but reflect on last December and realized that we can make magic happen. In this new Rotary year, we are looking forward to finding more ways to make magic and as our District Governor, Ted Faigle adds – “The Magic of Rotary with Aloha!”