This World Oceans Day, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay celebrated surf, sustainability, and community spirit by screening’ 100 Foot Wave: The Odyssey Continues’, which drew an audience of ocean lovers.
On Tuesday, Emcee Sebastian ‘Seabass’ Zietz, in partnership with the Hawaii Surf Association HSA, gathered alongside community members at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Princeville to talk story on the globe-trotting adventures of big wave surfer Garrett McNamara before a special screening of HBO’s ‘100 Foot Wave’ in honor of World Oceans Day.
However, the evening wasn’t just about honoring the sea but also aimed at restoring a special piece of community history by raising funds to rehabilitate the mini wave sculpture at Hanalei School. Installed in the 90s, the mini 10×10 wave sculpture was created as a symbol of community, pride, surf culture, and creative expression.
Now, after 25 years, artist Jeremy Dean seeks the community’s support to facilitate the restoration of the iconic landmark. “I think things like the wave sculpture is part of the fabric of this community, it’s what makes this such a special place to live,” said Dean. “From tourists to locals to residents alike, it’s a very iconic symbol.
“Our goal is to restore it back to its original state and back to the artist’s original vision, and so it has been over 25 years, and the exterior, the surface mortar, is kinda failing, so the goal is to replace it and bring it back to its original glory,” he explained.
“The wave already exists as a structural piece; the structural concrete is still intact, which is good, so the only part that really needs to be replaced is some of the exterior, there’s some mosaic, there’s some ceramic pieces that were put onto that. So the bond between the structure, concrete, and the molded, sculpted part of the wave and mosaic is what’s failing, so once we get that clear off, our intention is to put back as much of the original handmade ceramic pieces.”
HSA has secured a grant for the rejuvenation project; however, it must still raise the remaining funds by August 1 to cover additional expenses. Numerous alums from Hanalei School, who were present during the groundbreaking of the mini-wave sculpture, have expressed their memories of that significant day on HSA’s Instagram page, demonstrating their continued support for the restoration of the wave.
One former student wrote: “I was 11 years old in Mrs. Gardner’s class. None of us knew it would be so iconic. Everyone loved it and would fight over who would sit under it; the rest is history.” Another comment read: “I’ll never forget that day; I was the other student who got to do the groundbreaking! Aw, we gotta save this wave.”
“Tonight was a perfect night to focus on the 100-foot wave and our mini Hanalei wave,” added HSA Program Director Kristy Zietz. “That is a symbol of our own 100-foot wave because when you’re standing in it, it’s about 100-foot,” she said, giggling. “It’s important to take care of your community and be a part of your community and keep things like this alive because it’s so important.”
Garrett McNamara expressed his profound joy and excitement at being on the Garden Isle and 1 Hanalei. He articulates the source of his perseverance in pursuing the next wave and encourages all students to transform their dreams and passions into tangible realities.
“The ocean has given me everything I have today,” said McNamara. “All of my lifetime highlights, even meeting my wife, are gifts from the ocean. It’s my church, playground, and office.
“Most people don’t know, but I lived here the winter of 1986. When we first arrived in Hawaii, we were on welfare. We lived in cement city and had to sleep on the floor of our apartment with no furniture. Luckily, there was a carpet. I think the ability to not let my circumstances dictate my future is the only way I am where I am today.”
“My perseverance is definitely from my unconventional childhood. We didn’t come from very much. At one point, we ate out of trash cans,” he shared.
“I was super lucky. I got to know some of the boys — Uncle Ali and Titus Lion Hamilton, Kala and Mahina, Chris and Kenny Dennis Wade, Uncle Bobo Bun Chin Jole guy, and many, many more; oh, I can’t forget Uncle Mike Kealoha, I love that guy surfing Pipeline with no wax!!!
“I actually got my first Spit Out barrel at Pukas. We used to watch John Jones in his addicted boat riding giant waves and Uncle Bobo surfing by himself at Hanelei. I have a deep, strong connection and love all the boys and all the people here, and love Kauai.
“The only way we are going to save this planet and the ocean is through awareness and meaningful experiences. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay provides both of those things. How can we ask anyone to protect something they have never fallen in love with? Kauai and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay help people connect to the ocean and nature and show the simple practices they can take home to make a difference,” he said. “It’s never too early and never too late to follow your dreams and make them a reality. Never give up on your passions!!!”
Also making his debut at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the new Managing Director, Marcus Loevenforst. He conveyed his enthusiasm for being part of a hotel that is deeply integrated into its community and committed to the principles of honoring and preserving nature.
“In celebration of World Oceans Day, we’re proud to partner with the McNamara ‘ohana and HSA for a meaningful evening that brings our community together in support of the ocean we love,” said Loevenforst. “1 Hanalei’s location serves as a poignant reminder of our vital relationship with the ocean and the need to actively protect it.”
Individuals interested in donating to HSA’s Hanalei School Wave Sculpture Restoration Project can visit the Hawaii Surf Association Instagram page and click the link in their bio.
Source: The Garden Island