Maile DeSoto

Although born in California, Maile DeSoto was raised in Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi, where her lifelong connection to the ocean and community began. Growing up surfing and swimming along the Waiʻanae Coast shaped her commitment to ocean safety, community service, and preserving Hawaiʻi's ocean culture for future generations.

As Executive Director of Hoʻomaʻa Foundation, Maile oversees the organization's operations, programs, events, partnerships, and community initiatives. Her commitment to the Waiʻanae Coast extends beyond Hoʻomaʻa through her service on the Waiʻanae Coast Neighborhood Board, where she serves as Chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee. In 2026, she also helped lead the large-scale Mākaha Beach community cleanup that brought together more than 1,000 volunteers.

A professional lifeguard and certified American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, Maile brings experience in nonprofit leadership, youth programming, event coordination, and ocean safety. Whether through Hoʻomaʻa or her broader community involvement, she remains committed to serving the community that raised her and creating opportunities for the next generation.