Founded in 1972, Nā Kai `Ewalu was named after the eight ocean channels surrounding the seven main islands in the Hawaiian chain. The club was formed as a non-profit, tax- exempt corporation to revive, develop and perpetuate Hawaiian culture and traditions through instruction and training.
The founding members and the original board of directors were: Officers: Michael Adams-President, George Uwekoolani-Vice President, Boyd Mossman- Secretary, John Wilmington-Treasurer, Directors: David Kahoohanohano, Thomas Kahea, Edward Vickeny, Elmer Coyle and Peter Keau.
Over the years the club has participated in events as far away as Tahiti and the mainland as well as neighbor island long distance races. We have played an active role in our community through participation in Kamehameha Day parades, community work days, and it’s not unusual to find some of our members at the hale teaching a Boy Scout troop or kids from local schools the finer points of paddling. We have even won a canoe in the Na Mele O Maui songfest competition for keiki (our prize canoe was aptly named after the song fest). |
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In 1991, Nā Kai `Ewalu and Hawaiian Canoe Club joined together to launch a defense against the state’s plans to purchase the original hale sites from A&B and displace both canoe clubs. In the years that followed, the collaborated effort from both clubs resulted in A&B’s donation in 1996 of a parcel of land at Ho`aloha Park to the County of Maui for the canoe clubs’ use. With a grant from the County and kokua from members, both clubs successfully completed the two-year effort to construct our new hales.
Nā Kai ‘Ewalu suffered a devastating blow in November of 1996 when a fire destroyed our hale and almost the entire fleet of canoes, including two heirloom koa canoes. Our club immediately rallied and within eight months had completely replaced our racing fleet. The year 1997 was a test of strength and spirit for Na Kai ‘Ewalu, bringing together community and club members. |
