As a little girl, I always dreamed of celebrating my quinceañera in Hawaii.  A Hispanic tradition that is part birthday party and part rite of passage, a quinceañera symbolizes a young girl’s coming of age when turning 15.  As one could imagine, I was thrilled when my parents surprised me with an early birthday gift – a trip we just recently took to the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui to celebrate this milestone birthday. I wanted to do everything the island had to offer, and we did.  I experienced the local culture, history, architecture, food and traditions and so much more. It was epic. My family and I made some of the greatest memories that I will remember forever.    

However, just four days after our return home from the island, Maui would, and continues to, suffer from a deadly wildfire, where the blaze has consumed most of the historic town of Lahaina in Maui and the current loss of life at the time of this writing is at 115 people. My heart is broken for the people of Maui. West Maui is where we stayed and explored for most of our trip. We went surfing, snorkeling and cliff jumping there.  We made glass figurines inspired by the sea life there. We went to classes to make the iconic lei flowers there. We took hula dancing lessons there. We even celebrated my birthday at a luau there.  

Sadly, the surf school, my “quince” photographer, and so many of the staff at the hotel and at the glassblowing shop & gallery have lost their homes, places of business, work and/or have tragically lost friends and loved ones. So in lieu of gifts, my quinceañera wish is to use this platform for a Venmo fundraising effort where your donations would benefit the following: 

Keep It Simple Hawaii Surf School

Venmo: @keepitsimplehawaii

Peak Films & Photography

Timothy Fisher, Photographer

Venmo: @timfishermedia

Moana Glass Art Gallery & Studio

Ryan Staub, Artist

Venmo: @mgdfstaub

Lahaina Ohana Fund

Venmo: @lahaina_ohana_venmo

Anything you can monetarily provide would be so greatly appreciated. 100% of the proceeds donated are to help these individuals and their teams/employees and families with immediate needs. In addition to this birthday wish, please keep the people of Maui in your thoughts and prayers as first responders continue with search and rescue efforts. May they stay #MauiStrong through the recovery of their beloved island.

Mahalo (thank you),

Isabella Meléndez 

10th Grade

Lake Nona High School