From Mākaha to the world, and back again.

Growing up on Mākaha Beach in the early 60's, 70's and 80's, you understand the meaning of family and how important it is to help one another. Sharing what you have and learning with each other was the way we lived at Mākaha. Listening to the stories told by our kupuna, and deciphering the morals of the stories. Learning about the ever present dangers and risk factors and how to mitigate or eliminate these risks.

This style of living is what was instilled in me at a very young age and I see me in these keiki that come to Mākaha today. It's great to hear the youth sharing surfing stories or diving stories with each other. Having a cooler for the kids when they are done surfing or having some snacks is part of the life style. The uncles and aunties here on the west side always try to take care of the keiki and make sure they are alright. We are always on the look out for the safety of our ʻohana.

My background and experience as a City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety Rescue Operator and Trainer for 35 years is where I feel I have the most to share with my community. Although I have recently retired, I'm still very active with Ocean Safety and Ocean Rescue Training training lifeguards and Ocean Safety personnel from Mākaha to Hilo, California to Florida, Japan to France, and preparing for a state training program. There is information that needs to get out into the public.

I'll try to do my best to keep giving and instilling knowledge to all the keiki and the ʻohana that come to Mākaha Surfing Beach. We want to pass on what we were taught to always Be ALOHA, Give ALOHA, and treat everyone like you want to be treated. Our own kids had to share us with all the beach kids. They still do.

— Mel Puʻu