We at Waimea Middle School take great pride in our alumni!

One individual who is currently making headlines for his work within our community is Kamahao Ocean Kanekoa, who graduated from our 8th Grade in 2020 and now attends Honokaa High School. 

While at Waimea Middle School, Kamahao was a strong student who enjoyed classes in the Malaai Garden, won the Hawaii Island Aloha Festival Poke Contest, and founded his very own company!  When the pandemic hit, Kamahao and his ohana launched Paina by Ocean, an online farmer's market focused on supporting Big Island farmers, ranchers and fishermen who were adversely affected by lockdown restrictions that led to the closure of island restaurants and resorts. Paina by Ocean offered an outlet for these food purveyors to safely and digitally connect with the Big Island community to sell their fresh goods and move their product. The company also offered culinary inspiration through recipes and cooking tutorials, agricultural awareness with video farm tours and food security through the sales of curated Paina produce boxes.  

Paina by Ocean formally began about 20-months ago and continues to partner with local organizations to distribute farm-forward bundles that include fresh produce and meats, along with recipes that inspire. Through his efforts, Kamaha'o most recently caught the attention of Top Chef, the coveted television culinary competition and he now competes on Top Chef Family Style alongside his older sister.

For this special gift certificate, Paiina by Ocean has curated an exclusive Holiday Surf and Turf Paina Bundle fit for a family or group of four.  Winners of this fresh, locally-sourced produce box will enjoy a hand-picked selection of ingredients to create the perfect Holiday feast!

The Holiday Surf and Turf Paina Bundle will include: 

• Four (4) live Keahole Lobsters from Kona Cold Lobsters


• Four (4) premium cuts of Double D Ranch Tenderloin Steaks


• JA Farms Mixed Greens


• Waimea Sweet Corn from Rincon Family Farms


• Tropical Dreams Lalamilo Butter 


• Papaikou Sweet Potatoes


• Kamuela Tomatoes from Kawamata Farms


• Maiau Farms Microgreens


• Kamuela Cucumbers 


• One loaf of Punaluu Sweet Bread  

This produce bundle is prepared for a party of 4.  The number of lobsters and steaks as well as amount of produce included can be increased to accommodate larger families or groups, up to a party of 8, with the final bid donation to the school increased on a pro-rata basis.  Please bid as if a party of 4, and then if more desired, let the school know when you are contacted as the winning bidder.