Capt. Amanda Padilla first started fishing when she was around 10 years old. Her parents would take her to Cholla Lake outside Holbrook, Arizona, where they used canned corn and live worms for bait. She moved to Maui in 2004 after she finished high school and became a captain in 2017. “I worked in real estate for eight years, watching the ocean every day out of my office in Lahaina. The salt spray definitely got into my head, and I knew where my heart was: the sea,” Amanda recalled.
Kapa Sungear, was founded in 2019. The company’s core mission, “to clean up our oceans and teach the next generation the importance of leading by example,” stems from her experiences as a vessel captain and sustainable fisherwoman. Amanda is currently working on the vessel HO‘OLANA, which is unable to offer public charters at this time and is instead commercial bottom fishing. “Right now we are giving a portion of our catches to Maui first responders and families affected by COVID-19.” Amanda is grateful that her side business, Kapa Sungear, “is flourishing, and good things are on the rise.” She is planning to take the Kapa Sungear crew to Kaho‘olawe in December 2020 to help restore native plants.
Amanda also understands the importance of putting in your time to become a captain. “The sea time required for obtaining your 100-Ton Merchant Marine License is just the start of your journey,” Amanda said. “I would never ask a crew to do something I haven’t done already.” Amanda has completed “countless dry docks, wet docks, and interisland crossings.” She understands there is so much, including “engine room knowledge, diesel engine knowledge, understanding weather patterns, wind changes, loud formations, and so many other aspects,” being a good captain.
