We are excited for our first ever Beach Swap! Join us in the Kōkua General Store on Saturday, September 20th from 10am–2pm to swap your gently-used beach gear with some ʻnew’ preloved items from the community!
Why Beach Swaps?
We’re hosting a Beach Swap at the Kōkua General Store to reduce waste in our landfills, extend the life of gently-used beach essentials, and provide the community a fun opportunity for waste reduction. From wetsuits to sunglasses, there are so many items that can be reused and kept out of the waste stream. Supporting secondhand helps reduce waste and lessens the demand for new products.
When and where do I bring my items to swap?
To participate, bring your clean, gently-used beach gear to the Kōkua General Store between Friday, September 12th through Friday, September 19th during our regular store hours. Please have your items counted ahead of time. When dropping off your items, you will fill out our event form & receive a ticket to bring with you the day of the event.
Drop Off Location & Hours:
Kōkua General Store
66-249 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
- Tuesday–Thursday, 11am–5pm
- Friday–Saturday, 10am–3pm
Can I bring my items the day of the event?
We kindly ask you not to drop off any items on the day of the event, as setup and organization needs to happen in advance by our staff. Mahalo for your understanding!
How many items can I swap?
You can donate as many clean, gently-used items as you’d like, but you may only swap/take home a maximum of 8 items.
If you donate 8 items or less, that same amount will be reflected on your ticket for how many items you can take (Ex. If you donate 6 items, you may take up to 6 items).
Can I take more than 8 items?
We respectfully ask that you only take a maximum of 8 items or whatever number is listed on your ticket. This is a community event, and we want to ensure that everyone who participates has the opportunity to find something they love.
What kind of items can I swap?
We are accepting clean, gently-used beach gear in good condition, including:
- Wetsuits
- Swimwear
- Beach towels
- Sunglasses
- Beach hats
- Floaties & inflatables
- Beach toys
- Snorkel gear
We are not accepting:
- Stained, ripped, unwashed, damaged, poor-condition items
- Larger, bulky items such as umbrellas, beach chairs, and beach tents
Please note: We may turn down certain items depending on need, quality, and storage space.
Have gently-used surfboards, boogie boards, surf fins, and other surf gear you no longer use? Check out Patagonia’s Surfboard Swap happening across the street the same day! Stay tuned for details on their socials here.
Can I try on clothing items at the swap?
Yes, space is limited, but we have two fitting rooms available in the store where you may try on up to 10 pieces of clothing at a time. Undergarments must be worn underneath when trying on swimwear. We have mirrors around the store for trying on sunglasses and hats.
What if I don’t bring items to the swap but I see something I like?
No problem! You will be able to purchase items from the swap for $5 each. All proceeds will go to Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation.
What happens to the leftover items?
Applicable beach gear not swapped will be added to the Kōkua Vintage $5 bin or racks, with 100% of proceeds going to support Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation. Other leftover items will be donated to local charities and nonprofits.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]!