Ka Lima O Maui provides a variety of employment related programs for persons with disabilities. Ka Lima O Maui would not be successful without the support of its community—especially thanks to its annual Memorial Day weekend fundraiser—which has raised more than $1 million for the non-profit agency.
“Every May, self-proclaimed “Lunatic” golfers play from sunrise to sunset in Wailea’s annual Ka Lima O Maui 100 Holes of golf, a fundraiser for the local charity.”
—Fodor’s Maui travel guide
100 Holes History
The 100 Holes traces its roots to a few guys, including former Big Island legislator Bob Herkes, playing the original Kauai Surf (now Kauai Lagoons) nine-hole course 11 times — plus one — in 1965. The next year they were joined by the late Charles “Stubby” Stubblefield, father of Hawaii Golf Hall of Famers Larry and Marga Stubblefield.
The event disappeared until 1978, but the Stubblefields did not. Larry got involved, and completely hooked. The Kailua insurance agent is now on Ka Lima’s Board of Directors, serves as 100 Holes organizer/commissioner and has not missed 100 holes of golf since he first started in 1981.
Originally, golfers finished simply to win a bet with friends. But Maui News photographer Wayne Tanaka suggested raising money for a local charity early on and Ka Lima got involved soon after. Now golfers gather pledges, which are paid off if they finish. Participants are asked to raise at least $3,000 (some bring in $10,000) and be able to play 100 holes. It is worth noting that a majority of the participants come from outer-islands to support a Maui organization.
Wailea Golf Community Support
The Wailea community plays a large role in the success of this fundraiser. Wailea Golf has supported the event since 1981 and the Wailea properties supply hotel rooms for the participants. Ka Lima volunteers greet participants when they tee off at dawn, just before they go searching in the dark for their opening drives. They keep them supplied with food, drink, sunblock, fresh carts and icy towels the rest of the day. The towels were the brainchild of former InterContinental marketing manager Joyce Matsumoto; now the idea is used by resort courses around the world.
Upon completion of the 100 holes, the golfers relax, unwind and reminisce while they feast on food and drinks created by fellow golfer Aaron Placourakis at Nick’s Fishmarket. Aaron Placourakis is the Founder/CEO of Tri-star restaurant Group, which includes Nick’s Fishmarket. Aaron has won several ‘Aipono awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ka Lima O Maui is Maui’s largest employer of persons with disabilities and has been “Enhancing Lives through Self-Reliance” since 1955. For more information, please call (808) 244-5502, or visit www.kalimaomaui.org.
