Ages 11 – 18
Junior Lifeguards
Board rescue technique, ocean assessment, CPR, and the discipline it takes to look after your ʻohana in the water.
Mākaha Beach · Hawai‘i
Mauka to Makai from mountain to sea, we teach the keiki to know the ocean.
A community-run Junior Lifeguard Program built on decades of Ocean Safety experience, Hawaiian culture, and looking out for one another.
About Us
A nonprofit rooted in Mākaha, dedicated to the keiki.
Mauka To Makai Makaha Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to educating the keiki about the ocean and teaching them various lifesaving techniques. Our Junior Lifeguards program runs on all major school breaks. Keiki learn ocean awareness and assessment skills, board rescue techniques, Hawaiian culture, and much more.
We offer two programs a Junior Lifeguard program for ages 11 to 18 and a Keiki Ocean Awareness program for kids under 11. Every year we also host Braddah Mel's Waterman Championships, a surf contest open to everyone.
Under 11
Keiki Ocean Awareness
Water confidence, ocean respect, and the first lessons of reading a beach taught the way the aunties and uncles taught us.
Annual · All ages
Waterman Championships
Braddah Mel's surf contest a celebration of the west side and everyone who calls the ocean home.
Upcoming Sessions
Mon–Fri, 9am to 1pm. Come for one week, come for all five.
Fall · Winter · Spring
One week sessions timed to school breaks.
- FallOct 5 to 9, 2026
- WinterDec 28, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027
- SpringMar 15 to 19, 2027
Kids must attend at least 4 days including CPR to earn a certificate of completion.
Where
Mākaha Beach register 8am Monday at the beach, or online any time.
When
Monday to Friday, 9am – 1pm. Light lunch provided.
Bring
Water flask, swim attire, and a towel. Sunscreen recommended.
Help us keep the program running.
Donations and volunteer time keep the boards in the water and the lunches on the picnic tables. Every bit helps.