The boardwalk between Shaver's Creek and Stone Valley Recreation Area is closed for repairs until further notice. When hiking the Lake Trail, please follow detour signs to avoid this section.

Prentiss, Matthew (Buck)

Friends and neighbors, my name’s Buck. Everybody say ‘Hi Buck!’

Years at Shaver’s Creek: 1994–1998

Positions Held: Intern, Outdoor School, Instructor, Coffee maker

Current Company/Organization: Lahaina Comprehensive Care Clinic

I’m Buck, the climbing guy and raptor handler from the mid-nineties. Nine seasons of Outdoor School. Some of the best work I ever did.

The road since has been long and crooked. Camp directorships, a stint in Malaysia, a few solid failures, and about fifteen years on Maui doing direct care and residential mental health. Became a dad late and unexpectedly, which rearranged everything for the better.

In August 2023, the entire town of Lahaina burned. Six weeks later, I started as a case manager at the mental health clinic in the burn zone. I’m still there. Whoever walks through the door is the work.

I’m building a small company on the side called Hearth & Square, a grant writing practice, and a tiny book publishing press called Kolohe.

What Shaver’s Creek gave me holds up. How to hold a room. How to read a person. It’s not a job, it’s a calling. Turns out a clinic runs the same way.
Chickens eye me nervously. I still drink way too much coffee. I still watch Nightmare Before Christmas every year. Thanks Merlin!

Me ke aloha pumehana,
Buck