Hawaiʻi’s Sport: Outrigger Canoe Paddling, Maui’s Canoe Clubs
WARNING: Paddling can be addictive.
The warm splashes of Maui saltwater, the magical encounters with sealife, the pull of teamwork through the water…paddling in Maui is paradise.
Paddling is an ancient Polynesian sport that has been passed down through generations. Born out of necessity, paddling provided transportation between island nations for trade. Brave explorers from Polynesia left in canoes filled with essential items like edible plants, water, and animals to sustain them as they launched their canoes in search of land. By following the migration patterns of birds seen flying overhead, explorers soon discovered the Hawaiian Islands. Outrigger canoes arrived in Hawaiʻi around 200 AD, some holding up to 80 people!
Today, Outrigger Canoe Clubs are common across the Hawaiian Islands, but also in Tahiti, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Europe, South America, Canada and the mainland United States. Because it’s so popular in the islands, outrigger canoe paddling has been designated as Hawaii’s official state sport. Some people paddle recreationally and enjoy a workout in the open ocean. Some choose to voyage and paddle from island to island, like our ancestors did. And some race regatta from June-October, though the races won’t return until 2022. Due to this, many of the clubs listed below are not currently active.
Paddling is a great workout, but it’s also very much about connecting with the Hawaiian culture and nature. Chant powerful Hawaiian oli, spot tropical sea life, and rejuvenate with a few splashes of seawater while you paddle. If you want to fuel your body, mind, and spirit, then paddling is an incredible option. One of the best parts is that anyone can do it—old, young, athletic…or less so. All you need are a few basic skills, which are taught when you join a club.
What outrigger canoe clubs are on Maui?
There are clubs on each part of the island, making joining a Maui canoe club pretty convenient.
You want to paddle, you join a club, right? Well, not necessarily. Just like dating, you may want to sample each Maui canoe club to see if you mesh with the people, the cultural practices, and the schedules. From 5 AM paddles to welcome the day to full moon paddles where you can experience the whole ocean glowing under the moonlight, outrigger canoe paddling in Maui’s ocean is an unforgettable and deeply fulfilling activity.
If you’re a Maui resident or becoming one soon (talk to me about your real estate options!), here’s more information on your Maui canoe club options. Please contact individual clubs for practice and membership details.
NORTH SHORE
MAUI CANOE CLUBS
Watch the sunrise over Haleakala on a morning paddle on the stunning North Shore of Maui.
Lae’ula O Kai Canoe Club
RECREATIONAL/REGATTA
Inspired by the traditions of our ancestors, the mission of Lae'ula O Kai is to perpetuate the sport and culture of Hawaiian canoe paddling. In an atmosphere of respect and aloha, they strive to be Lae'ula O Kai, well trained and wise in the ways of the lowlands and the season. This club caters has multiple practices each week and is open to all, though some practices usually have more men than women and vice-versa. They paddle out at Kanaha on glassy mornings, windy afternoons, for surf sessions, the love of the open ocean, and turtles galore. Outside of paddling, the club gives back with volunteer events, planting sessions, grounds maintenance, and supporting each other. To sign up, look for the hale at Kanaha beach behind the airport and register on-site.
Hawaiian Canoe Club
RECREATIONAL/REGATTA/VOYAGING
This club’s vision is perpetuating and preserving the art of Hawaiian canoe paddling by providing an environment rooted in traditional Hawaiian values that promote personal growth, character development, and achievement in physical fitness. Look for the blue canoes in Kahului harbor to join up with this active club that runs four programs. The Kamaliʻi program introduces youth to paddling with a strong focus on Hawaiian culture and values. The regatta is pretty popular and is for the racers, though the 2021 season has been canceled. Long-distance paddlers are also known as voyagers, paddling from island to island, like Maui to Molokai or Molokai to Oahu. Hawaiian’s Sunday recreational paddling is perfect for those that just want the workout, camaraderie, and ocean sights without competing. Register and learn more at their very well-done website.
Nā Kai ‘Ewalu Canoe Club
RECREATIONAL/REGATTA/VOYAGING
A respectful mission, this Maui canoe club wants to revive, develop & perpetuate Hawaiian culture and traditions, which we feel is an extremely important vision. This Maui canoe club offers options for paddlers from ages eight to 60+ and are a great outrigger canoe club to join if you’re just starting out, as members are friendly and helpful with beginner paddlers. Fill out the waiver on the website ahead of time and sign up for practice on their sleek website. Join with the simple and smooth registration here.
WEST SIDE
MAUI CANOE CLUBS
The nice thing about these clubs is they all paddle out of the same Canoe Beach (Honokaʻoʻō Beach Park) between Lāhainā and Kāʻanapali. Contact individual clubs for paddling schedules.
Kahana Canoe Club
REGATTA
This Maui canoe club is known for having younger members in their 20s, as well as some core members with a bit more life experience that brings experience and culture to this hard-working outrigger canoe club. They usually have evening and morning practices but be sure to contact them through their new Facebook page to double-check. Spot the green canoes and know that if you join, you’ll be training hard.
Lāhainā Canoe Club
RECREATIONAL/REGATTA
This west side outrigger canoe club does more than paddling. They are active in fundraising, cultural education, community service, canoe, and hale maintenance, and culturally enriching and community service field trips. Join the club, through the website or follow their Instagram @lahainacanoeclub and Facebook page for updates. Look for the red hale to find this Maui canoe club at Hanakao’o Beach Park.
Nāpili Canoe Club
REGATTA
The mission of this east side club is dedicated to perpetuating the Hawaiian island lifestyle and culture of Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling. At Canoe Beach, spy the black and yellow canoes for the Nāpili outrigger canoe club. Contact them through their Facebook page to ask about practice schedules and joining.
SOUTH SHORE
MAUI CANOE CLUBS
Paddle out, greet the sea life, then hit up Kīhei/Wailea for brunch, lunch, or coffee.
Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society (HOCVS)
RECREATIONAL/VOYAGING
The vision of this impactful club is to create, perpetuate, educate and inspire a sustainable lifestyle rooted in Hawaiian cultural values. With daily oli in the canoe, welcoming the sun, and showing gratitude for the outdoors, this club instills a sense of peace, calm, and connection to Hawaiian culture in a deep way. They paddle just north of Kealia Resort on N Kīhei Road. Check out their activities, as they run youth programs and other culturally enriching events throughout the year. Anela Gutierrez is the head of this impactful Maui canoe club. Also, we proudly named HOCVS as our Maui Living Nonprofit of the Month in May 2021.
Wailea Canoe Club
REGATTA/RACING
This Maui canoe club was started in 1993 by Kapena and Donna, who said the club has always focused on helping paddlers achieve their highest potential, not just on the water, but in life. Wailea usually paddles all year out of Kalama Park on Maui’s scenic south side and is known for being very competitive at Regatta races. Their Facebook page may be the best option to get in touch for paddling practice schedules.
Kīhei Canoe Club
REGATTA/RACING
This large outrigger canoe club in Maui is known to be a tough competitor in races across Hawaiʻi, national, and international waters. Their vision is to have their ohana be recognized as a world-class canoe club by promoting the Hawaiian culture, traditions, and the development of our youth as future leaders. Their website and Facebook page are kept up-to-date with information which includes their robust visitor paddle program.
Maui Fishpond
RECREATIONAL/CANOE TOURS
The proud caretakers of the Ko’ieʻie fishpond, one of the most accessible fishponds in Hawaiʻi, love to share the Hawaiian culture with visitors. E-mail or call (808) 359-1172 to book a tour. Visit the beautifully restored fishpond in front of Kalepolepo Park in North Kīhei, Maui, Hawaiʻi.
Maui Canoe Club
RECREATIONAL/CANOE TOURS
This seasoned club has been around since 2005 and is known for providing outrigger canoe tours to visitors as well as recreational paddling for members. E-mail them for practice schedules or look at their website. If you’re visiting Maui and want to go for a paddle in an authentic outrigger canoe, read this and look for the red, white, and blue canoes at Sugar Beach towards Maalaea in North Kīhei.
EAST MAUI CANOE CLUBS
Hana Canoe Club
RECREATIONAL/REGATTA
In the small east Maui town of Hana, the Hana canoe club is a community keystone with a well-developed keiki program and adult paddles. The club is based in Hana Bay. Reach out through their Facebook page to check on availability for paddles.
What is an outrigger canoe?
Outrigger canoes are one of the oldest types of vessels known to man.
The history of Outriggers traces back to over two thousand years ago, with evidence found as far as Indonesia. Outriggers were used by Polynesian ancestors for fishing and transportation before Europeans discovered them on their voyages to the Pacific Islands.
In Hawai’i, we call our canoes wa’a (pronounced vah-ah). What makes these canoes unique, is they have a sidebar of support that floats in the water and is fastened to one or both sides of the main canoe hull. Smaller canoes that fit one, two, four, or six people often just have one outrigger on the port side, while larger canoes might have two supports (called the ama) or have a double-hull, which connects two canoes that act as each other’s support.
Using an outrigger canoe makes for a very stable paddle, so you’re much less worried about flipping (huli), but it makes it a bit tougher to paddle with the extra pull in the water. Compared to other types of canoes, outrigger canoes can be quite fast and are capable of being paddled and sailed in rougher water, which is how Polynesians made it to Hawaiʻi in the first place. The paddling technique is very different from kayaking or rowing, but most paddlers are open to showing you their favorite techniques and tips.
What are the basic parts of an outrigger canoe?
In Hawaiʻi, we use terms in the Hawaiian language:
• wa’a [vah-ah] full canoe
• ama [ah-mah] float/outrigger on the side
• ‘iako [ee-ah-koh] bars that connect the ama
• hoe [hoy] a paddle or to paddle