Hawaiian Paddle Sports is a Maui-based, ocean activities company that prides itself on providing sustainable, intimate, authentic experiences with Maui and the ocean.
2019 marks 10 years of business for Hawaiian Paddle Sports. We are proud of how much we’ve grown and look forward to continuing to expand our business and opportunities.
Through our Malama Maui give-back program, 1% For the Planet Participation, and additional donations we raised $57,557 for local organizations and logged 477 volunteer hours. We also spearheaded the Paddle For Hunger event and the third annual Paddle For Keiki Toy Drive.
We are excited about the opportunities in 2020, and look forward to another outstanding year supporting our customers, employees, environment, and community.
Timothy Lara
Owner
Hawaiian Paddle Sports
Our Vision
A community of sustainably-minded ocean stewards who cultivate a sense of kuleana globally.
Our Mission
We provide authentic sustainable eco-tours that empower our guests to discover a deeper appreciation of and connection to Hawaii’s marine environment.
Our Values
Community Service, Donate, Volunteer & Training
2019 Goals
Maintain relevant ecotourism industry certifications
Expand community service outreach partners and opportunities
$30,000 in direct monetary donations to environmental and community groups
Continue to enhance professional development opportunities for employees, including dedicated whale season training, Hawaiian cultural trainings/experiences, and marine naturalist trainings
2019 Accomplishments
Hawaiian Paddle Sports is proud to a Certified Sustainable Tour Operator through the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii and a Certified B Corporation. We are honored to set the bar for sustainable tourism in Hawaii.
Community Support
Donated and raised $57,557 for local organizations
- $23,929= Direct monetary donations
- $10,356= Total monetary donations raised through events
- $16,608 = 1% For the Planet donations
- $5,900= Additional donations
Successfully built on our Malama Maui community give back program.
Malama Maui grew to include new partner organizations and conducted volunteer service projects throughout Maui. Non-profit partners included: Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter, P?nana Leo o Maui, Maui Huliau Foundation, Maui Youth and Family Services, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Pacific Cancer Foundation, Maui Food Bank, Hawaii Ecotourism Association, Grow Some Good, Na Leo Pulama, Koinonia Pentecostal Church, Maui Huliau Foundation, Hawaiian Kamali’i, Network for Good, Lae’ula o Ka, Kahana Canoe Club, Na Kai Ewalu Canoe Club, Hawaii Public Radio, Lahaina Rotary Youth Foundation, Kihei Canoe Club, Maui Economic Development Board, Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyager Society, Kihei Canoe Club, Koieie O Na La O Maui, and Love the Sea.
Employees logged 477 volunteer hours with 12 different non-profits.
Organized the Annual Paddle for Hunger event benefiting Maui Food Bank.
The Paddle for Hunger event hosted 400 participants and raised $8,152 and 1,200 pounds of food. The donations amounted to over 4,800 meals for needy families in Maui County.
Hosted Maui’s Annual Paddle for Keiki event.
Building on Maui’s Toys for Tots event, Paddle for Keiki brought together the island’s paddling community to raise support for our local keiki (children). The event included over 150 paddlers who donated $6,900 in gifts and cash donations for Maui’s youth.
Certifications and Awards
Cultural, Safety, Interpretation,
Staff Training and Development
Incorporated employee trainings that focused on Hawaiian culture, humpback whales, and the ocean ecosystem. Employees received both in-class and immersion-based cultural training, and attended a dedicated training on humpback whales.
15 employees completed Hawaiian Culture Training.
All Hawaiian Paddle Sports guides complete 12 hours of Hawaii Marine Naturalist Training.
All Hawaiian Paddle Sports guides hold CPR and Lifeguard certifications.
Hosted 2 Ocean Safety Trainings for employees. In-water training enabled guides to respond to various on-the-job scenarios & enhanced job skills as an ocean guide.
Employees participated in an annual company retreat focusing on team building, cultural training, and environmental awareness.
