Our Moʻokūʻauhau

Watch: Nā Kama Kai Founder & CEO Duane DeSoto

Nā Kama Kai which means “children of the sea” was founded in 2008 by pro-surfer Duane DeSoto. He understood the gift that had been given to him from the day he was born down at Mākaha beach and he wanted to recreate that for the communities of Oʻahu, he wanted to create a safe environment for children around Hawaiʻi and really the world to experience the ocean and to learn about it.

Then came Nā Kama Kai a true fruit of his labor, a non-profit that taught kids ocean safety, conservation, and stewardship, we share just a little bit of our ʻoiwi knowledge to strengthen that community and their connection to the ocean. We believe that if we can connect all these keiki to the ocean not only will it save lives but it will also create a bond between the next generation and the ocean which in turn will ensure that the ocean will be taken care of.

Our Mission

We empower children by connecting our keiki to the kai and ʻāina to nurture a deeper sense of aloha and kuleana for the natural environment and themselves.

Overarching Themes

Nā Kama Kai understands the immense value of the ocean environment, its vast resources, and its relationship to the land. As stewards of the kai (sea) and ʻāina (land) keiki (youth/children) from all ethnic origins and economic backgrounds will learn to embrace their kuleana (responsibility) as caretakers of marine ecosystems that must be nurtured for future generations.

We strongly believe in our motto, Keiki Aloha Kai Aloha, Beloved Child, Beloved Sea. Our children are nurtured at the same time that their love for the ocean is nurtured. As they continue to grow, this contemporary ‘ōlelo no‘eau is a reminder of their special place in the world along with their relationship and kuleana to the ocean and our natural environment.

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