Earlier this month, the PGA announced that The Sentry, the first stop on the PGA Tour, will not be played at The Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf for the first time since 1999.
This decision, although difficult, highlights the resilience of the Maui community as the course faced challenges from deteriorating conditions resulting from a lack of irrigation water.
The tournament, which generates an impressive $48 million in annual economic activity and raises hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable donations, has always been a beacon of support for Maui’s nonprofit organizations.
In a powerful display of commitment, Kapalua Golf owner Mr. Tadashi Yanai pledged a remarkable total donation of $750,000 to various Maui nonprofits, including:
- Scouting America – Aloha Council,
- Hale Makua Health Services,
- J. Walter Cameron Center,
- Ka Lima O Maui,
- Lahainaluna High School Foundation,
- and Lahaina Junior Golf, embodying hope and unity in the face of adversity.
Additionally, the funds will inspire positive change by supporting
- The Boys & Girls Club of Maui – Lahaina,
- Aloha Puʻu Kukui Watershed,
- Hawaiʻi State Junior Golf Association/First Tee of Hawaiʻi,
- Hua Momona Farms,
- Kapalua Maui Charities,
- Maui Junior Golf,
- University of Hawaiʻi — Maui College, Maui United Way, and Maui Striker Soccer Club, among others, have been uplifted by The Sentry PGA Golf Tournament.
While The Sentry PGA tournament will not take place at Kapalua Golf in 2026, the team at Kapalua Golf is dedicated to planning and preparing for a successful return of the tournament in 2027.
Here are some key supporters of Maui nonprofits.
- Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF): Central in Maui’s recovery, primarily through its Maui Strong Fund, which accepts and distributes relief and recovery funds for nonprofits.
- MacKenzie Scott: Donated $5 million to the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, with ~75% going to the Maui Strong Fund.
- The Sentry Insurance / The Sentry Tournament of Champions raised $747,704 in 2025 for Maui nonprofits through its tournaments. Over many years, this tournament has contributed millions (since 1999) to local nonprofits.
- Oprah Winfrey & Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Launched the People’s Fund of Maui, initially committing $10 million for displaced residents, followed by further fundraising.
- T-Mobile made a donation of $50,000 that helped multiple nonprofits, including the Maui Food Bank and Maui Strong Foundation.
- Aloha United Way and Maui United Way have directed millions of dollars to Maui recovery efforts.
- Corporate donors in Hawai‘i: dozens of companies have pledged large sums, both cash and in-kind, especially after the fires. Some of these include health services, utilities, and food distributors, among others.