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You may already know about the ocean-friendly mission of Mahina & Sun’s, but recently we embarked on another environmental commitment: reducing single use plastics. (Thus, we’ll no longer be providing plastic water bottles as part of the amenity program—instead, we’re offering reusable water bottles and hydration stations.) In support of a #PlasticFreeHawaii, and to shine a light on our creative community, we held a contemporary art show which featured an exhibit demonstrating the impact of plastics on our environment.

To create the exhibit Plastic Free Waikīkī, Director of Experience Casea Collins-Wright saved two-months-worth—8,000-plus—of single-use plastic water bottles from the Surfjack’s (now discontinued) complimentary water amenity program, thousands of bottle caps were collected throughout Honolulu by BLKCORAL and the Waikīkī Community Center, and bodysurfer/artist/activist Mark Cunningham collected bits and pieces of plastics from the bottom of the ocean. Think typical vacation necessities like sunscreen bottles, sunglasses, GoPros, hair combs and the like. The result was an entire suite filled with every day items that are polluting Mother Earth at an alarming rate.

On the penthouse lanai, Reise Kochi used found ghost nets to cover trendy pool floats (which are often found and abandoned at the controversial Waikīkī floatillas). Harnesses covering the floats symbolized the urgency for humans to manage and control what we consume, and subsequently, waste.

Below, more from the exhibit and our Earth Day event with Jack Johnson and friends.

In collaboration with Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation’s Plastic Free Hawaiʻi program, on Earth Day we hosted a screening under the stars of Ian Cheney’s The Smog of the Sea, a documentary film that highlights the affects of microplastics and the fate of the world’s oceans.

Prior to the screening, musician Jack Johnson, bodysurfer and artist Mark Cunningham, and spearfisher Kimi Werner talked story about their connection to the ocean and their commitment to helping preserve our fragile environment.

Chef Ed Kenney and his #TownTribe were perched poolside with food stations featuring local and sustainable fare from Mana ʻAi, Local Iʻa, Kunoa Beef, Aloha Brewing Co., and Johnson Bros.

Find a full recap of Reimagining Waikīkī here.

photos by Kainoa Reponte