More than 150 paddlers took to the water on a perfect morning for the third annual Maui Paddle For A Cure, a benefit for Susan G. Komen Hawaii.

KAANAPALI – The exquisite beauty of Maui is manifested in many ways throughout our daily lives – in the crystal blue persuasion of the sea and the sky, in the majestic mountain slopes of the Valley Isle, Lanai and Molokai turned a verdant green by cooling showers, in the warm comfort of the trade wind air we breathe, and in the gradient hues of sunshine cast by the constant travel of the sun.

Yet it is in the intangible sharing of every breath we take that truly represents the essence of our island home. It is in the outpouring of our spiritual centers that forms the wealth that is the aloha of Maui, and within this mindset rests the cherished Hawaiian philosophy of malama pono – to nurture in a motherly way that which is good and righteous.

It is in this noble way that the third annual Maui Paddle For A Cure, sponsored by the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa along with the Butterfly Effect and Maui Jim, took to the shoreline waters of world-renowned Kaanapali Beach three weeks ago.

Maui Paddle For A Cure is a fun, non-competitive event for standup, kayak and canoe paddlers along the beautiful West Maui inshore waters that raises funds for Susan G. Komen Hawaii’s mission of supporting and promoting collaborations among Hawaii’s health care providers and organizations, and implementing culturally sensitive breast cancer education, awareness, prevention and treatment programs.

Event coordinator Karli Sullivan, sales and marketing Manager of the Hyatt Regency Maui, reported that over 150 paddlers took to the water on a perfect morning for the third annual Maui Paddle For A Cure.

All were treated to one of three non-competitive courses that took them along Kaanapali Beach up to Black Rock and beyond to Airport Beach in the aqua blue waters, with a pre-paddle instruction session for novice entries.

After the paddle, participants were treated to a celebratory luncheon at the Hyatt.

Sullivan reported that over $37,000 has been raised thus far, with the drive continuing to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer through the month of October.

“We are ever so grateful to the Maui community for their support of Maui Paddle For A Cure and will continue the drive through several outlets at the Hyatt,” she said.

“Pink” offerings include contributions from every VIP Drums of the Pacific Luau ticket sold, selected sushi items at Japengo (recently recognized as Maui’s top sushi restaurant), selected items at Umalu, and Maui Paddle For A Cure items – including pink bracelets and T-shirts – at the Pool Desk and Front Desk.