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.
Our Junior Lifeguard program is for ages 11 to 18. Every year we also host Braddah Mel's Waterman Championships, a surf contest open to everyone.
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.
Summer
Summer 2027 dates will be posted in the spring. Five full weeks starting the third Monday of summer break, and kids can do as many weeks as they like.
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.
Past sessions
- Summer 2026Jun 22 to Jul 24, 2026 (5 weeks)
- Spring 2026Mar 16 to 20, 2026
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.
From the beach
What's happening at Mākaha
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.