We honor the legacy of Kahu Wendell Kalaniapaenui Silva, a Living Cultural Treasure, who foresaw the birth of Spirit Sessions and the positive impact it would have on our community. He envisioned programs that would heal and empower youth, rooted in Hawaiian practices of mentorship, pikai, Hawaiian culture, the values of mentorship, ohana, and connection, as well as a community of support grounded in aloha.
His vision has been integral to Surfrider Spirit Sessions as we’ve grown, and although Kahu passed in October 2024, his teachings and legacy continue to serve as our foundation, and his spirit lives on in our work. Our promise to Kahu is to carry forward our programs with integrity, ensuring that the spirit he entrusted to us remains alive for generations to come. E ola!