We Need Your Kokua
Nā Kai `Ewalu Canoe Club is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
FEATURED POST
John S. Wilmington III “Papa John”
(12/6/1916 – 12/16/1992)
Papa John was one of Nā Kai `Ewalu’s founding members. He was also involved with The Kamehameha Schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
He was married to Ann Chang and worked for HC&S. Papa John was instrumental in keeping the club together as he served as the treasurer for 20 years. He loved the keiki of Nā Kai `Ewalu and did whatever he could to support them. He had a golden heart and an open pocket book, especially for the kids. Papa John was much more than just a member of NKE. Papa John helped form the Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Association (MCHCA) and officiated at all regatta’s, including the State races. The work he did for canoeing on Maui impacts everyone involved in the sport today. Nā Kai `Ewalu originally hosted the “King Kamehameha Day Regatta”, but in 1987 NKE wanted to honor Papa John while he was still alive, so we proudly named our race, “John Wilmington III Regatta.”
Annual Fundraisers
Nā Kai `Ewalu proudly hosts these annual events:
Nā Kai `Ewalu holds annual fundraisers to help us cover our expenses. Our club’s annual operating budget usually exceeds $70,000, which does not include the purchase of a new canoe. Our expenses include maintenance and repair of canoes, equipment and of our canoe hale, regatta entry fees, regatta assessment fees, insurance and general administrative expenses and keiki program costs. We team up with sponsors including Queen Ka`ahumanu Center and Leilani’s for the two long distance races we host.