Helu Ekahi!
Nā Kai ‘Ewalu is a Hawaiian Canoe and Cultural Club
Founded in 1972, Nā Kai ʻEwalu was named for the eight ocean channels surrounding the seven main Hawaiian Islands. Based in Kahului, Maui, the club was established as a nonprofit 501c3 dedicated to reviving, developing, and perpetuating Hawaiian culture and canoe traditions through instruction, training, and community.
For more than five decades, Nā Kai ʻEwalu has fostered paddlers of all ages while promoting the values of mālama, kuleana, and aloha. Beyond competition, the club is committed to developing future leaders through cultural education, environmental stewardship, and service to the Maui community.
Nā Kai ʻEwalu partners with community resources to strengthen cultural practices and deepen members’ connection to Hawaiʻi. Through these partnerships, the club is revitalizing traditional canoe protocols, expanding education on paʻakai and native plant species, and developing an ocean safety program specifically for paddlers. By blending cultural knowledge with stewardship and education, Nā Kai ʻEwalu continues to honor its legacy while preparing future generations to paddle with purpose.
