05 Mar Wa’a Kiakahi 2013

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly across the water in an outrigger canoe with a sail attached to it in brisk windy conditions? I’m told by members of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association (HSCA), that it is the ultimate thrill. To hear the creaking of the mast and the ama, to feel the sea water spraying your body and to be propelled up and over waves is like being one with nature. It takes extreme skill, unwavering trust in your team mates and a deep love of the ocean as well as its significance to the Hawaiian culture, to obtain this spine tingling rush.

The mission of the HSCA is “to learn, revive, educate and practice those ancient Hawaiian skills and values as they relate to sailing canoes and the Hawaiian culture.”  And these members are not just a group of ordinary people. They are experienced water people who have embraced this way of life and this commitment to live their mission statement. Some have sailed on Hokulea and have had to depend on the stars to navigate thru blue water. Some have had to rely on the way the water laps the side of the canoe to determine which direction to go in because the stars were not visible. These are people of substance and people we can learn a thing or two from.

KBRA sponsors part of their race series annually because we believe in their mission. We believe in their commitment and we are inspired by each one of them. When they come to our shores and share their time and skills with anyone savvy enough to take them up on the offer, we watch people’s lives shift. There is a new understanding and respect for the water, respect for the fellow paddlers and a new found wonder and respect for the ancients who migrated to settle these beautiful Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This complimentary activity gives people the opportunity to experience something intrinsic to the Hawaiian culture that they probably wouldn’t have access to anywhere else. Going out in a sailing canoe becomes a hands-on experience that can capture people’s imaginations about ancient times; and a new understanding of why the canoe and the water are so important to the way of life in Hawaii.

Why don’t you come see for yourself. Join us for the eighth annual Wa’a Kiakahi Event on the shores of the Kaanapali Beach Resort on May31 – June 2. This event is open to the public and to all ages.

Friday May 31st
Approx 3:00 Arrival for “Race circuit” – Kahului to Kaanapali – a modern adaptation of the ancient event. A ceremonial welcome to the Shores of Pi’ilani on Kaanapali Beach fronting Aston at the Whaler on Kaanapali Beach.

Saturday June 1st
10:00-4:00 Community Service
– providing canoe rides to the general public
– educate
11:30 Talk story

Sunday June 2nd
8:00 sail to Molokai (race)