Zumbathon® Raises over $1,000 for Hilo’s YMCA

On Saturday, January 18, I was invited to be one of guest instructors at the YMCA Zumbathon®. It was tons of fun and we raised over $1,000 for the Island of Hawai`i YMCA and their fitness programs! 

This was the Y’s 2nd annual event, coordinated by Zumba® instructor Maryline Kettavong. She is an amazing teacher, and when you watch her dance you just gotta get up and join her! She draws her non-stop energy from others who inspire her. “The best part of the Zumbathon is seeing a 72 year old and a 27 year old dancing side by side with huge smiles. It’s the most rewarding feeling!”, said Maryline. 

Maryline has been teaching at the Y for over three years and rounded up some of East Hawai`i’s hottest Zumba instructors for the event including: 

• Margaret Acia
• Rebecca Akiona
• Maxine Barrere
• Bryson Hiro
• Elizabeth-Ann Kaeha
• Estelle Leslie
• Fred Leslie
• Germaine Murphy
• Carissa Pajo
• Gavin Purdy
• Vanessa Riviera
• Harriet Rocha
• Chris Salomon
• Vanessa Salomon
• Leslie Walters

We all took turns leading the group in our favorite songs, and I always love how each instructor’s personality shines through when they’re dancing. Students from my class, along with the other attendees jammed for about two hours at the Zumbathon.. That might sound like a long time, but we took breaks to give away door prizes from local businesses including: 

• Hilton Waikoloa Village
• KapohoKine
• KTA
• Teapresso Bar Hawaii
• YMCA
• Zumba

In addition to Zumba, the Y offers tons of other classes and even has a fitness center with machines and free weights. Wendy Cortez is the Y’s CEO and fearless leader who oversees their well-bing, family strengthening and keiki programs. For more information on the Island of Hawai`i YMCA, visit their office:

300 West Lanikaula Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 935-3721