■
Maui Makai returns to the shores of Maui this May
[ About ]■
Maui Makai isn’t a retreat.
It’s a ritual—a return to flow, nature, and meaningful connection.
This is a long-standing assemblage of technology & wind/water/wave-obsessed founders, builders and investors. Many of us have been communing in Maui for over a decade. Every year, we intend to bring back a core group and welcome new people into the vibrant community. Days are spent kitesurfing and foiling. Evenings are grounded in barefoot dinners, sunset conversations, and genuine connection.
2026 ATTENDEES
-
Natalie Vais
General Partner, Spark Capital
-
Ilya Fushman
Partner, Kleiner Perkins
-
Tom Blomfield
General Partner, YC
-
Cindy Weitzman
Co-founder at Wiixii
-
Jonah Greenberger
Early-stage investor, Co-Founder at Bright
-
Tugce Bulut
Co-Founder, Eloquent AI
-
Steven Fitzsimmons
Founder, Freshpaint
-
Michelle Dickinson
CSO, Workr
-
Ariel Poler
Co-Founder, Reveri Health
-
Chuck Dietrich
Partner & Co-Founder, The Operator Network
Previous Attendees
-
Ariel Poler
REVERI HEALTH
-
Andrea Funsten
INVESTOR & ADVISOR
-
Allison Dulin Salisbury
HUMANIST VENTURE STUDIO
-
Alexander Giordano
MERCURY
-
Sam Daly
BROWNSTONE SHARED HOUSING
-
James Lindenbaum
FOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER
-
TECH & CLEAN ENERGY
Description goes here -
Tod Francis
FOUNDER, SHASTA VENTURES
-
Nick Baum
FOUNDER, STORYWORTH
-
Susan Coelius Keplinger
CEO AT FORCE OF NATURE
-
Cindy Weitzman
CO-FOUNDER OF WIIXII
-
Cody Candee
FOUNDER/CEO AT BOUNCE
-
Chuck Dietrich
PARTNER AND COFOUNDER, THE OPERATOR NETWORK
-
Cyrus Karbassiyoon
CPO and Co-founder, Scratchpad
-
Othman Laraki
CEO AT COLOR
-
Dawn Ho
CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER AT SEAM
-
Praveen Ramineni
CEO AND CO-FOUNDER AT PORTRAIT
-
Elizabeth Laraki
DESIGN PARTNER AT ELECTRIC CAPITAL
-
Owen Mahoney
VIDEOGAME AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Itinerary
■
Wednesday
6:30 PM: Opening Dinner @ Bella Surf Cafe (Registered Attendees & Sponsors Event)*
Thursday
8:30 AM - 9.30 AM: Breakfast & Content Sessions at Bella Surf Cafe (Registered Attendees & Sponsors Event)*
11:30 AM: Beach Setup at Nash Beach
1:30 PM: Beach Lunch
5:30 PM: Upcountry Sunset Dinner, Sponsored by CRV, at Ocean Vodka (Makai Community Event)**
Friday
11:30 AM: Beach Setup at Nash Beach
1:30 PM: Beach Lunch
6:30 PM: Beachfront Dinner, Sponsored by Mercury, at Ole Ole Kai (Registered Attendees & Sponsors Event)*
Saturday
11:30 AM: Beach Setup at Nash Beach
1.30 PM: Beach Lunch
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Pizza and Beers at Kite Beach (Makai Community Event)**
Sunday
10:00 AM: Brunch @ Home of Ben & Callie Holz in Haiku
Sponsors & Organizers
-
Matt Brezina
FORD STREET VENTURES
-
Kevin Patrick Mahaffey
SNR
-
Saar Gur
CRV
-
Alexander Giordano
MERCURY
-
Dave Mullen
PINEGROVE VENTURES
[ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ]Request Information
[ TESTIMONIALS ]"Every detail of this event was dialed, from the perfectly paced beach days to the recovery meals and breathtaking sunsets — this was a next-level experience. Easily the most inspiring kiting trips I've ever done."
Alex Santella, London
[ FAQ ]Common Questions
-
Fly into OGG. All event activity takes place within 30 minutes of the airport
-
You want to stay on the North Shore, within 15 minutes of the airport. All Events will take place within 15-20 minutes drive of the airport.
Paia
This is the best town on the north shore and where many of our meals will take place.
Check Paia Inn
Or these cottages (several of our folks stay here). Ohana, Milo Cottage, Palm Cottage, Koa Cottage
Kahalui
This is the town where OGG airport is located. Staying in these hotels isn’t quintessential Maui, but you won’t be at the hotel much anyway. This is equidistant between the Kite Beach and Paia Town events.
Airbnb & VRBO
If you get a house and want help filling it, we can send out a blast to attendees
-
Mornings are best for beginners on the water, we’d recommend getting out early for the calmest conditions!
-
Join us for the first evening event on Wednesday at Belle Surf Cafe
-
Yes there is a parking lot at Kanaha Beach Park, come early as it may fill up as the morning progresses.
-
Sunglasses
Swimwear
Flip flops and closed toed shoes
Optional items: rash guards, straps for your glasses on the water
-