Lahaina Kids Receive Surfboards as Holiday Gift of Hope

The initiative, aimed at uplifting the spirits of the island’s youngest residents, was the brainchild of Lorelei Viola Ranney, a long-time Huntington Beach surf advocate. The association managed to collect 33 surfboards, a symbolic gift for children whose lives were upended by the flames that destroyed the historic town.

“We collected 33 surfboards in donations,” said Ranney, who played a central role in organizing the effort. “It’s a gesture to bring back some sense of normalcy and fun for the kids.”

For a community that saw 200 years of local history wiped out and its social fabric deeply affected, the surfboards represented more than just a fun pastime—they were a symbol of hope, resilience, and the Aloha spirit.

Overcoming Obstacles

Although the idea was clear, bringing it to life proved to be a challenge. The initiative was months in the making, with many obstacles along the way. A crucial component was the absence of a contact on the ground in Maui, which slowed down the process.

Max Tornai, Development Director at Habitat for Humanity Maui, stepped in to help. Tornai, who lost his own home in the Lahaina fire, understood the devastation and the emotional toll the tragedy had on the children. Working in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Maui, Tornai helped move the project forward, ensuring it could reach its destination in time for the holidays.

“It seems simple, but there are a lot of moving parts,” Tornai said. “Coordination and timing are key, especially when everyone is volunteering their time.”

A Collaborative Effort

Several organizations and individuals pitched in to make the project a reality. The surfboards themselves were donated by Rockin’ Fig’s Surf Shop, inspired by the spirit of the late Rick “Rockin’ Fig” Fignetti. Hawaiian Airlines generously agreed to ship the boards free of charge to Kahului Airport in Maui.

However, the process was far from simple. Each board needed to be carefully packed into shipping boxes, a task that proved challenging to execute. ET Surfboards from Hermosa Beach and Catch Surf came to the rescue, supplying the necessary boxes.

“There was a lot of behind-the-scenes work,” Ranney explained. “The boards had to be wrapped in multiple layers of bubble wrap and saran wrap before being taped up for shipping. Our new president, Sal Avila, and the Board of Directors—Chuck Ray and Howard Kirk—put in countless hours to ensure everything was ready.”

Volunteers from the community, including restaurant staff hired by Avila, helped pack and prepare the boards. Once they were ready, local residents such as Lindcy Ladra and Jared and Jess Romley also pitched in to box the boards and transport them to Los Angeles International Airport.

“We even had kids involved,” Tornai said. “My son and his friend, both just eight years old, helped load the surfboards onto the truck.”

Final Push to Maui

Once the surfboards reached LAX, the next challenge was to get them to Maui. Tornai arranged for a Habitat for Humanity truck to pick up the shipment and deliver it to a local storage facility in Maui. Local firefighter Ikaika Neizman assisted with unpacking the boards when they arrived at Kahului Airport.

At the same time, the team worked to identify families with children who had lost their homes in the fire and were eligible for the gift of a surfboard. This process involved careful vetting, and more than 30 children were selected to receive the boards.

A Christmas Celebration of Hope

The distribution event was held at the Kahakukahi Ocean Academy, a local surf school founded by Zane Schweitzer. Schweitzer, part of the renowned Schweitzer surfing family, offered the space for the gathering, which included a barbecue and a chance for families to reconnect and share stories of resilience.

“We could not have been happier to host this event,” said Schweitzer. “These kids have been through a lot this past year, and giving them the opportunity to pick up their boards and start fresh is something we’ll always remember.”

The atmosphere at the event was filled with laughter, food, and community spirit. Surfboards were distributed to the excited children, some of whom were still in the process of rebuilding their lives after losing their homes. Among them was the Ah Hee family, who were the first in Lahaina to be approved for a new home built by Habitat for Humanity.

A Gift With Deep Meaning

Though some families were unable to attend, the event brought joy to many, marking a poignant moment of renewal and hope for Lahaina’s children. For the volunteers and organizers, the surfboards were more than just a holiday gift—they were a symbol of community resilience and the power of collective action.

“It was a celebration of hope,” Ranney said. “The surfboards weren’t just for fun—they were a way to remind these kids that despite everything they’ve been through, there’s still joy to be found. It was emotional for all of us.”

The donation of surfboards to Lahaina’s children may have taken months of hard work and collaboration, but the final result was a reminder of the deep impact that acts of kindness can have in times of crisis. It was a Christmas gift that, in the end, meant more than anyone could have expected.