The Malama Kai Foundation (MKF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean stewardship for current and future generations through community service and public education. Founded in January 1991, the Malama Kai Foundation raises funds to sponsor projects that help conserve Hawaii’s coastal and marine resources, and educate people about these resources. As a 501(c)(3) publicly-supported non-profit organization, donations to the Malama Kai Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law... read more

Day-use mooring buoys have proven around the world to be an effective tool to reduce the damage to coral reefs caused by anchors. One of the primary projects of the Malama Kai Foundation has been to raise private funds to pay for the installation, mapping, and maintenance of day-use mooring buoys in the nearshore waters of Hawaii.... read more

The Malama Kai Foundation and the Big Island Reef Fund work in partnership to support coastal and marine conservation projects on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Big Island Reef Fund was formed in 2004 to better meet the needs of the resources and community on the Big Island of Hawaii.  The Big Island Reef Fund is a voluntary alliance of ocean tourism companies, educators, scientists, and resource managers.  To manage its funds, and administer its grant programs, the Big Island Reef Fund established an agreement with the Malama Kai Foundation.  The Big Island Reef Fund Advisory Group makes decisions where to spend the money raised through Big Island Reef Fund contributions to Malama Kai Foundation.  The Malama Kai Foundation allocates these funds based on the advice of the Big Island Reef Fund Advisory Group.

The Malama Kai Foundation has received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help enhance the State’s day-use mooring buoy system and reduce anchor damage to Hawaii’s coral reefs... read more