Sunday, April 21st, 2024 marked a significant day for environmental stewardship as Nudi Wear collaborated with Aqualung and PADI to spearhead a massive land and dive site cleanup initiative at Magic Island for Earth Day. In addition to the core collaborators, Boy Scout Troop 201, Coral Reef Alliance, DiveDiveLive, Oahu Dive Crowd, Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA), Sea Lancers Diving Club, and Trident Adventures generously contributed to the success of the cleanup. This event, held in support of Kanu Hawaii and The Pledge to Our Keiki, brought together a diverse array of organizations and volunteers, all united by a common goal: to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations.

Nudi Wear and Coral Reef Alliance at the Magic Island Earth Day Cleanup
Aqualung at the Magic Island Earth Day Cleanup

Magic Island, nestled at the mouth of the Ala Wai Canal and boat harbor, has long been a focal point for environmental concern due to the influx of trash from the island that finds its way into the ocean. Recognizing the urgent need for action, we have made it a tradition to conduct a land and dive site cleanup at Magic Island every Earth Day, ensuring that it remains a pristine and inviting space for both locals and visitors alike.

View of Waikiki seen from Magic Island during the Earth Day cleanup
The dive entry point at Magic Island

The event kicked off bright and early at 8 am, with volunteers eagerly gathering to lend their support. From seasoned SCUBA divers to enthusiastic land supporters, everyone played a crucial role in the cleanup efforts. With approximately 150 volunteers in attendance, the atmosphere was brimming with energy and determination.

Nudi Wear Co-owner Ryan Scalf and volunteer at the Earth Day Cleanup at Magic Island
Nudi Wear co-owner Christy Johnson greets volunteers at the Earth Day Cleanup dive at Magic Island
Coral Reef Alliance and Nudi Wear volunteers at the Magic Island Earth Day Cleanup

As the sun cast its golden rays over the azure waters, teams of divers, freedivers, and snorkelers ventured into the depths, equipped with bags and a steadfast commitment to rid the ocean of debris. Meanwhile, on land, dedicated volunteers combed the waterline, diligently collecting trash and assisting divers in hauling out heavier items.

Nudi Wear volunteers removing a battery from the ocean during the cleanup
Land support helping divers to remove heavy items, such as the tire pictured from the ocean

Despite the challenging task at hand, spirits remained high as old friends reunited and new connections were forged. David, a PADI course director with Trident Adventures, meticulously logged each piece of debris collected from the water, ensuring that our efforts would not go unnoticed. The findings were then later submitted to PADI Aware who tracks marine debris globally to help address key threats facing the marine environment.

David logging each piece of trash removed during the cleanup
Nudi Wear volunteer sorting trash removed while diving at Magic Island

The results of our labor were staggering. From discarded tires to rusted metal chains, the divers surfaced with bags overflowing with a bewildering array of trash. Plastic water jugs, pillows, Britney Spears CDs, suitcases – the list of unearthed items seemed endless. In total, an astounding 1,928 pounds of trash were removed from the park and ocean, a testament to the unwavering dedication of our volunteers.

Volunteer divers removing trash from the ocean at Magic Island's dive site during Earth Day in Hawaii
Divers removing a large abandoned chain from Magic Island's dive site
CDs found while diving Magic Island in Hawaii
Tires removed from Magic Island dive site
A big pile of trash removed while diving at Magic Island
Volunteers at the Earth Day cleanup looking at a suitcase removed from Magic Island dive site
Clothing removed from Magic Island while diving

But our work didn’t end there. With the debris gathered into piles, Luke and Matt from Aloha Junk Man arrived with two large trucks, ready to assist in the final stage of cleanup. With their expert help, the trash was swiftly loaded onto the trucks and properly disposed of, ensuring that it would not find its way back into the ocean.

Volunteers tossing trash into Aloha Junk Man's truck on Magic Island during the Earth Day Hawaii cleanup

Among the organizations that contributed to the success of the Earth Day Cleanup, DiveDiveLive stands out as a pioneering force in environmental advocacy. Comprising a group of divers who harness the power of social media, DiveDiveLive is renowned for their groundbreaking live streams of underwater adventures on TikTok. As the only content creators in the world who live stream while SCUBA diving, they bring the wonders of the ocean directly to viewers’ screens in real-time.

During the cleanup event at Magic Island, DiveDiveLive brought their innovative approach to the forefront, live streaming their dive and the entire cleanup process on TikTok. With over 150,000 viewers tuning in from all corners of the globe, their live stream served as a powerful platform for raising awareness about marine conservation and the importance of preserving our oceans. By seamlessly blending technology with environmental activism, DiveDiveLive exemplifies how digital platforms can be harnessed to inspire positive change and mobilize a global audience in the fight against ocean pollution.

Dive Dive Life at the Magic Island Earth Day Cleanup in Hawaii

In the end, our Earth Day Cleanup was more than just a cleanup – it was a symbol of our collective responsibility to protect and cherish our oceans. By coming together as a community, we demonstrated the power of unity and the profound impact that small actions can have on a global scale. As we reflect on the success of this event, let us be inspired to continue our efforts in safeguarding the beauty and diversity of our marine ecosystems for generations to come. We hope to see you at a future event!

If you have not already signed The Pledge To Our Keiki, we ask that you do that now at www.pledge.kanuhawaii.org.