This web page is dedicated to the many members (past and present) that have participated with the Kona Kai Opua Canoe Club of Kailua, Kona, Hawaii; for the numerous alumni that were so passionate in representing the village/township of Kailua, Kona - on The Big Island - going back to the end of 1920's. Back when all the canoes were created and hand-carved out of the magnificent Koa wood; meticulously, painstakingly created out of a single koa tree. Today, due to the lack of available Koa, and preferences toward modern techniques, the canoes are constructed of fiberglass (very light and swift)!
The men and women of Kailua were dedicated in keeping the polynesian/Hawaiian tradition of earnest competition with other towns and canoe clubs for the best of the Island; as well as for the best of all Islands in the Hawaiian chain.
We salute those of you who gathered together each year behind the Kailua wharf, at Kamakahonu Beach cove, to take up the paddles and practice, to be the best they can. The camaraderie and friendship ... and family-like cohesiveness that was always present. And as they moved on to other endeavors, taking with them the memories and stories of triumphant moments of victory; also those heartbreaking losses (sometimes by only inches or feet).
I was only 14 years old when I joined the Kai Opua Canoe Club back in 1959. Yes it was the year of "Statehood" for the Territory of Hawaii. I had moved to California a few years earlier with my parents. But decided to spend the entire summer vacation in my home town of Kailua with my Grandfather: Moses Kalele (I called him: Papa), an Alumnus of the original Kai Opua Club back in 1929 (see picture). So I came home .... and decided to try out for the team. As a youngster, I remember my uncles Moke and Kamiki Kalele, going to canoe practice every day during racing season -- as well as watched the outrigger races each year, and it was always exciting. I said to myself that I wanted to paddle when I became of age. So when I came home -- that was my chance to paddle with the team coached by ole man Heinriques and his son (I can't remember their first name), but you never forget those times!
Yes, it was very tough and grueling ..... especially the first few days, in applying the proper techniques of handling and paddling with oars. Sores muscles, aching arms and back ..... but working with the coaches was also very tough. I remember one time head coach (Heinriques) sat behind me observing ... and at one point kept yelling at me to keep my elbows out away from my side (over and over again) ...... by the time we returned back to Kamakahonu "Cove" Beach ... I was cured! From that day on ... it became like 'second nature' ----- I thrived on the "highs" of reaching forward as far as I could and pull that water back, all with the 'tempo' of the steerman (the caller). Back then the method of paddling was the "old style": slower, but with full complete motions; as compared to the 'new' "Tahitian" style of paddling: short, quick strokes! Evidently, the new method is much more efficient, creating a much faster, swifter delivery for getting out ahead of the pack.
It was a fun, amazing summer (1959) with the crew (boys and girls; novices, adults, experienced). We traveled to Hilo (on the other side of the island) and did well; other clubs came to Kailua and we competed at Kailua Bay. All in all we did very well. Well enough that we were invited to the Inter-Island competitions at Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. We had to borrow a couple of outrigger canoes for our competition, which was adjacent to the International Airport. And on raceday, we were very nervous, especially because there were dozens and dozen of canoes from many islands and towns (the colors were amazing), and of course the spectators; tens of 100's everywhere. We lined up with the other outriggers and waited for the gun ---- Bang! And we were off ! We were doing well ... tied for the lead. Just a few more yards to go ... then all of a sudden --- a huge aircraft (Jetliner) took off right over us (very low), and some of us was distracted (by looking up at the plane) unfortunately, just long enough to slow us down --- and we lost by inches. We came in second in the State! I really think if that plane hadn't distracted us we would have won the state championship. But that's the breaks!
So those are the kind of exciting memories that many of us as former members and alumni remember so well .... and cherish in our hearts of the great times with the club.
The following is information from the Kai Opua Canoe Club official website: http://www.kaiopua.org/
History:
The early Polynesians fashioned their canoes with tools made of stone, bone and shell, assembled with lashings of braided fiber and powered by sails of matting. These early voyagers navigated without charts or instruments, yet had explored and settled the Pacific Ocean long before the Europeans realized the world wasn't flat!
Early outrigger canoe history:
"Little is known and less recorded about single outrigger canoe racing before the year 1906, but it is generally conceded that the sport had its beginning during the time of King Kamehameha V, whose big ocean-going canoe is now on exhibition at the Bishop Museum. The next known patron of the sport was Prince Kuhio whose two canoes, the "Princess" and the famous "A", are still in commission today. Tall tales are told of the races held between 1906 and 1909 off O'ahu, when the rivalry between Kona and Honolulu was as keen as it is today, and it may be said that modern outrigger canoe racing really began with that now famous series between the paddlers of Kona in the "A" and the stalwarts of Outrigger Canoe Club in "Hana Keoki".
"There followed a lull of almost 23 years during which canoe racing on an interisland or Territory wide scale virtually ceased to exist. It was only through the interest of the Outrigger Club and others that the sport was preserved in the surf off Waikiki during this period of inactivity. The story of the revival of racing in the thirties is told in the tribute to Julian R. Yates on another page of this booklet, but it is fitting to mention here the names of others like Lorrin P. Thurston, "Dad" Center, Lewis Macfarlane, L.C. Child, John Black, and Judge Arthur Stillman who gave of their time, money and effort that the sport might be perpetuated."
Kai 'Opua entered and raced the Kaimalino in six of the nine events, from Boys Under 13 at 1/4 mile through Senior Men at 3 miles. The coaches for Kai 'Opua were listed as: James T. Yamasaki, Herbert Ako, Clement Kanuha, and Johnny Mano. Dad Center coached Outrigger Canoe Club and Wally Froiseth coached Waikiki Surf Club. There are many Kai 'Opua family names listed as paddlers, including Ako, Bronco, De Mello, Gaspar, Hugo Van Platen, Jr., Kunewa, Kanuha, Thompson, Kane and others.
Kai 'Opua's Beginnings: Some early and incomplete records indicate that Kai 'Opua Canoe Club was first organized in 1929. Twenty men and twelve women formed the nucleus of the club and practiced then, as we do now, in Kailua Bay. Under the leadership of Mr. Lind Childs and Judge Arthur Stillman, Kai 'Opua entered its first regatta in 1932. The regatta was held in Napo'opo'o Bay, and, according to th...e newspaper accounts, Kai 'Opua paddled in Judge Stillman's Kaimana (Diamond), a canoe that reportedly weighed 600 pounds, and raced against Milolii, Honaunau and Hilo, reportedly the only three other canoe clubs on the island. Entered in the race were two four-man crews for the half-mile race, two six-man crews for the three-mile race and two wahine crews of six each for the one-mile race.
Uncle Keoni Mano, one of the club's original paddlers/founders was later quoted in West Hawaii Today as saying: "In those days, forty strokes was the most we could do. We used the old, long, Hawaiian stroke, and the boats were pretty heavy then." Keliipaiomoku "Red" Kanuha, another early paddler and long-time club member and advisor, remembered how Judge Stillman was "the first head coach, and he loaned the club his boat, the Kaimana, but, in the winter of 1935, fuel tanks exploded during a Standard Oil fire and the Kaimana went up in flames."
It, along with some other Kai 'Opua canoes of various types and construction, were kept on the point of land that is now filled and used by King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel for its luau grounds.
Uncle Keoni Mano, one of the club's original paddlers/founders was later quoted in West Hawaii Today as saying: "In those days, forty strokes was the most we could do. We used the old, long, Hawaiian stroke, and the boats were pretty heavy then." Keliipaiomoku "Red" Kanuha, another early paddler and long-time club member and advisor, remembered how Judge Stillman was "the first head coach, and he loaned the club his boat, the Kaimana, but, in the winter of 1935, fuel tanks exploded during a Standard Oil fire and the Kaimana went up in flames."
It, along with some other Kai 'Opua canoes of various types and construction, were kept on the point of land that is now filled and used by King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel for its luau grounds.
Information:
Formed in 1929, Kai 'Opua Canoe Club is one of the oldest outrigger canoe clubs in the State of Hawaii. For more about the history of outrigger canoe racing, visit our "History" page.
Located in Kailua town on the Kona Coast of Hawaii Island (The Big Island), Kai 'Opua Canoe Club offers outrigger canoe racing to people of all ages, from keiki (children) to Seniors, experienced and novice. In addition to the traditional single hull races, there are also one-person, two-person and double hull races at regular and long distances. Races and regattas occur nearly every weekend from May through September at various locations around the island. At the end of the regular season, a state-wide championship race is held to determine the best in the state among the members of the Hawaii Canoe Racing Association (HCRA).
Kai 'Opua Canoe Club is also host to the World's Largest Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Races - "The Queen Lili'uokalani", now in it's 38th year. Crews from around the world converge on Kona for this prestigious event every Labor Day weekend. For more information on this event, visit our "The Queen Lili'uokalani" page. You can sign up for this year's event there.
See the pageantry and excitement of Race Day!
Received this email from Len Withington:
Subject: Waikiki Surf Club (Stimulated the resurection in 1972)
Pilipo Springer (Retired Liberty House) Owner of Huehue Ranch
Kona Makai Rotary. I was a member Robert Greenwell was President and marjor
domo
Stan Dzura, or first coach.
Red Kanuha the father at Aloha Airlines, major supporter. I think his family
really got involved with the club thereafter.
Lions Club. Louis Kahanamoku, Art Hunt - International Inn owner. His son
Chris, Onipaa Ranch
The story of Toot Menville, HFD retired
More,
Got to go!
Aloha,
Len Withington, Jr.
Note: I do remember Red Kahuna as a kid; yes he was very active with the club; I used to play at their home many times as a child (very good friends with Zackary) and I think his kids paddled as well (Rosemary, Zackary, Moniques, Pocho, Junior and the youngest, Jerome
More info from Len Withington:
Subject: Waikiki Surf Club (Stimulated the resurrection in 1972)
I was Food & Beverage Manager at the Hotel King Kamehameha, and we were just
opening the Keauhou Beach Hotel for AMFAC. I was a member of Kona Makai Rotary
Club. I got a call from my cousin Tommy Schroeder (2 man Ka`iwi channel
paddler) They were all from the Waikiki Surf Club. Tommy, Michael Tongg, Joe
Gilman, and Wally Froeseit (sp). They wanted to paddle the Malia and one
fiberglass hull from Kailua to Oahu, following the fabled Kings overnight
feat. We put them up in the King Kam. We scheduled a dinner for them and
several Kona dignitaries to help celebrate their great endevor.
The Kona Lions -- Rotary. The Henriques family. the Kanuha's, the Spinney's.
This event spawned the rebirth of Kai O`pua. It was like a motherhood issue.
WSC's eventual trip to Waikaloa, Mahu Kona, La Peruse, Maui, Lahaina, Molokai
then on the Oahu. I think it took them 5 days or more.
Once we got started:
Oahu Fire Capt. (retired) Toots Menville had held on to our membership to HCRA
for 16 years, so when we got going we were able to maintain our seniority with
the group.
Since then many stories about Kawaihae, Prince David Kawananakoa, Hilo. The
Mayor, I believe Kimura purchased 5 fiberglass canoes, fashioned after Malia and
built by Mr. George Downing of Lanikai Canoe Club. Things really got going
.
Kona Makai Rotary. Robert Greenwell was President and marjor domo. I was on the
Board of Directors
Stan Dzura was our first coach. He was a teacher at Konawaena and football coach
at the time.
Red Kanuha the father at Aloha Airlines was a major supporter. As you said, his
family really got involved with the club thereafter. Aloha Airlines and Young
Brothers were champs at the very begining, because of costs. We were a
struggling club, then and could use all the help from the community and local
businesses.
Lions Club. They had many good members too. Louis Kahanamoku, Art Hunt -
International Inn owner. His son Chris, Onipaa Ranch. Then the Sterlings with
Joanne and Leon, folks.
The story of Pilipo Springer (Retired Liberty House) Owner of Huehue Ranch.
Now I read Joanne's version of the Queen Liliuokalani middle distance race.
Sounds good.
As I remember it, at a board meeting, Mr. Springer brought up the idea of a race
from Ho`onaunau to Kailua Pier. The sprint regatta season was over and the clubs
were training for Molokai in October.
The board ran with the idea and we invited about 5 Honolulu clubs to join us
that Labor Day weekend. (The Queen's Birthday.)
We had breakfast on the grounds of the 'Place of Refuge' near Ho`onaunau Bay.
Scrambled eggs as I remember. I don't think the Feds will allow that anymore on
the grounds. But what did we know.
The beautiful M/V Capricorn (85 footer) was the committee boat. It was a great
race. Then we had a party in Kahalu`u at a private residents (Can't remember
whose). The thing I remember about this party, was that all HCRA clubs hated
each other so much that they never partied after regattas. In Kona, we didn't
know any better, so we had a wela ka hau bash. Several Oahu members said that
this was the first time they ever associated with other clubs. I guess this was
the first of what now seems to be a very popular event. According to OC 16. I
was impressed with all the activities you have now. Whew!!!
I left Kona in 1974. I was working for Peter Fithian at Kona Activities Center
and HIBT with Phil Parker, at the time. Lost touch when I moved back to
Honolulu (my hometown).
I still have my original Pink membership card. I also have a black and white
photo of the Kai O`pua Fishing Club when we fished in local tournaments. Me,
Stan Dzuna, and Chris Hunt fishing on his father charter boat. I guess I could
scan the photo and pass it along to you.
Anyway, many good times.
Aloha,
Len Withington, Jr.
Oahu
Aloha .... and thanks Len for the important information of Kai Opua and the canoe Clubs. Many will appreciate such great memories. Jess Kamiki
Spotlighting the Kanuha Ohana; Namely (Red) Kanuha for his efforts in keeping Kai Opua's historical record in the forefront, as one of the best in Outrigger Canoe Clubs in all of Hawaii:
The Kanuha ‘Ohana can trace their lineage back 109 generations, to Tahiti and Polynesia and before. This they know through chants that have been passed down through the family. Here, their ancestors arrived on Hawaii Island pre contact. They can trace their ancestry to Chief Umi-a-Liloa (1470–1525), who ruled as the 14th Alii Aimoku of HawaiĘ»i island from 1510 to 1525.
The Kanuha ‘Ohana is a large family, very involved in cultural preservation, education, and youth activities. The current generation of six children (in their 50s and 60s) grew up with their parents, Betty and Clement Kanuha, right in downtown Kailua-Kona. Their home was next to Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian Church in the state.
Members of the extended family, including cousins, still own property within the Keopu I Ahupua’a. Clem, or Red, supported the family working at Trans Pacific and then Aloha Airlines, and by moonlighting as a Hawaii County Police Officer. Mom Betty only went through 11th, grade, but had a strong belief in education so ensured her children were both formally and informally educated. The oldest daughter Rosemary, 68, now lives in Bel Air, in Los Angeles County. She says her Mom as the smartest woman she knew. She was intellectually capable of discussing anything at any time, because she’d continued her self education past her formal schooling. She loved the land and loved art, and taught her children and grandchildren the same.
The “children” include Rosemary; Zachary; Monica (called Moniques by the family); Clement Jr., called Junior by everybody, most of whom don’t know what his formal name is; Lovena, called Pocho, and the youngest, Jerome, now 58. There’s also a hanai brother, Ipo (recently deceased) and other extended family members.
One of the younger generation, Dru Kanuha, 26, Jerome’s son, said he never was sure growing up who was actually related or just local kine related.
Rosemary had several different school experiences, including boarding at St. Joseph’s in Hilo as a young girl. She graduated from UCLA, considered teaching, and then went back to get her law degree. After a career at Air France and United Airlines, Rosemary now runs Classic Party Rentals in Los Angeles–a premier event planning organization that now even handles event planning for former Hawaii resident President Barack Obama when he visits Southern California.
Rosemary says Junior was a beachcomber who loves the ocean and anything marine life…and because of that was invited in to New Caledonia to advise them on how to protect their reefs. Junior has sailed on the Hokule’a. He’s also been actively involved in cultural preservation for land that has ties to the family, including Keolonahihi Heiau and the Keakealani Wahine Complex, both south of Kailua Village. Junior’s been suffering some health challenges of late. Dru says Uncle Junior had been one of the main story keepers for the family, and Dru now is one of the younger generation interested in helping keep the stories.
Pocho got her nickname as a child, because she talked a lot. When she was young, she was quite the tomboy, taking part in karate and other martial arts. She went on to excel in sports, with free dive records and swimming records, and also appeared as an extra in movies filmed in Kona.
Jerome, the youngest, continues to carry on his parents’ work by staying involved in the community. He’s coached tennis at Kealakehe High, worked with his family to create the Betty Kanuha Foundation to provide sports and academic opportunities for young people, and is an active member of Kai Opua Canoe Club. His great grandfather was one of the founders of the club in 1929. Kai Opua is one of the oldest paddling clubs in the state. When Jerome was in college in Los Angeles in the 70s, he even persuaded some Southern California paddling clubs to take part in the Queen Lili’uokalani Long Distance Races, which Kai Opua hosts.
Both Zachary and Moniques have stayed close to home, raising their families. Moniques continues to work as a Hawaiian Language instructor at Kahakai School in Kailua-Kona. When asked what distinguishes the members of the Kanuha ‘Ohana, Pocho said she believes the legacy is leadership. Everybody in the family understands their obligation is to give a lot to the community, whether through education or helping young people achieve athletically or in preserving the culture or even in spreading aloha to the mainland. She also said Mom Betty said it is important to embrace life … and they do. At a recent family reunion at Hale Halawai in Kailua-Kona, over 200 relatives and hanai family members gathered. They heard from a Hilo historian about the family’s geneology, they had a talent show, and they had a luau. Pocho said Mom Betty would have delighted in being there.
Comments From John Keanaaina and Leonard Withington: 7/4/2011
(from facebook)
Leonard Withington: That's the one. Still looking for "Kona Kai O'Opua" Maybe back in the 60's with the David Chun Trio with brother Nedward. at the Whalers Bar of the ole Kona Inn..... OMG da bes!!! Len .
John Keanaaina @ Leonard: I remember you at the Kona Inn as the assistant manager back in the 60's when my mom was a desk clerk and my dad was a musician. Have a happy 4th !!!!!
Leonard Withington: Yeah,,, and I worked with your Dad too. Are they still around this holiday season? You know I eventually went to work at AMFAC at the King Kam and Keauhou Beach hotels. Your Auntie Sweetie worked for me at both hotels, too. While there I... got associated with the canoe club. Thus my affiliation with Jess and the Kai O'pua Alumni. Look it up.... Of course, you probably went to school with the Ka`apana brothers at Konawaena. I see Ned in Waikiki and on our city bus. He carries a uke with him and kani kapila's right there on the bus. Hawaiian style. Good times..... Aloha, Len
Leonard Withington: Jess Kamiki Foglesong and @John Keanaaina (Jr?) Really enjoyed the Kanuha Ohana piece and hstory of the that family on the Alumni history posting. That club is amazing.... Len
John Keanaaina: Great to hear from You Leonard. Like you and Jess I paddled for Kai'opua canoe club in the 60's when Henriques was the coach and we met at the old shack where Kaimi used to sleep at the point between King Kamehameha hotel and Thurstons inlet. I was a junior paddler then and we had Yama's make our paddle, the old Hawaiian style paddle with the wide spoon and the concept then was long and hard. I think the koa canoe's were the Honaunau and the Hualalai
.
Leonard Withington: The Kaimalino was the first one we restored from the Henriques Family in Napo`opo`o. Mr. Henriques was a dishwasher of mine at King Kam. Boy do I remember Kaimi Spinney's shack and the Thurston's inlet and property. Back when they were ...alive. We had our luau grounds back there.. And Yama was a craftsman, ole man. The club had use of the old shed behind the old King Kam in the parking lot. AMFAC promised us that they would let Kai O`Pua use Kamakahonu Beach and establish a halau for the club when they built the new hotel. I never found out if they fulfilled that promise. I left in '73 just before they blasted the old property. Glad to hear you were part of the club. Your info to the Alumni would be quite valuable. I'll keep checking up on it. Aloha for now. Len
Preserving these Magnificent Koa Outrigger Canoes:
Magnificent canoes hand carved from koa wood glide through the history of Hawaii. A convenient exhibit makes it easy to see one of these canoes and learn its heritage just steps from the sand of Waikiki on Oahu.
The canoe is named Kaiolohia, which means Calm Tranquil Sea. It was a six passenger surfing canoe that was also used for fishing, transportation and race training during its active life. Now restored as a museum piece, it rests in a special display area inside the Outrigger Reef on the Beach Hotel in Waikiki. The canoe and a giant paddle are on either side of the alcove with a video in the center that tells their story. A series of posters around the room also illustrate the history and hope of canoe making in Hawaii.
The 34 foot Kaiolohia was built around 1915 in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, according to a plaque posted near the canoe. Canoe makers needed both practical and spiritual skills. "The wood needed to be strong, healthy and of the right length since the hull was made from a single tree trunk." But the search for a good tree didn't begin in the forest.
Every canoe began with a prayer and a dream. Before the canoe builder began, he first prepared a pig, a red fish and a black fish and offered them to the gods. When this was done, the carver went home and invited dreams in his sleep. If the dreams were good, he would go to the forests the next day. But if they were unfavorable, a tree would not be cut. (display poster)
The canoe was central to society, providing food, trade, travel and competition, as shown by the ways Kaiolohia was used. In 1942, it was moved from the Big Island to Oahu and called the Stephanie, for the new owner's daughter. The canoe's condition and original name were restored in 2000. The Outrigger Canoe Club entrusted the canoe to the Outrigger Reef on the Beach so that it would be "exhibited in a place of honor as a symbol of our Hawaiian Culture."It may not be possible for visitors on a Hawaii vacation to greet Polynesian Voyaging canoes, but seeing this exhibit only requires a detour of a few steps from the beach for a rare look at Hawaii history.
Alumni Request:
To all alumni and members of the Kona Kai Opua Canoe Club who would like to share your story, experience, adventure, and memorable photos .... please comment below or email me: Rev. Jess Kamiki Foglesong at bluesongbird8@aol.com or go to the facebook page at:
Let's reminisce and bring back those fond paddling memories of old or new ........
God Bless and Aloha!
Hawaiian Canoes
Edgar Henriques
[From the 34th Annual Report of the Hawaiian Historical Society, 1925, 15-19]The ceremonies in connection with the selection of a tree and the making and launching of a Hawaiian Canoe are of a more or less religious character.
In 1912 I had the good fortune to witness these ceremonies at a place called the Ahupua'a of Ki'ilae, in South Kona, Hawai'i, and from notes then made, I judge them to have been unlike the ceremonials described by other writers, and worth recording.
When the Kalai Wa'a (Canoe carver) whose name was Kealakahi was requested to make a canoe, he consented, with the understanding that he was to be in entire charge until the canoe was brought down from the mountain forests.
For three nights the Kahuna went to his family heiau to pray that his undertaking would be successful. On the fourth day he started up the mountain, with one assistant, to search out a suitable tree. After arriving in the koa woods, they made their camp a nd sat down, keeping silence, to watch for the bird 'Elepaio which was to help them select their tree.
After watching for two days, they saw the 'Elepaio. Then, for three days more, they followed the bird from tree to tree, taking note of its actions and behavior, for they knew that if the 'Elepaio lit on a tree and started pecking at the bark, the wood of that tree was not sound. Were they to fell it, they would find the wood decayed and the heart defective.
The 'Elepaio lit on many trees that it did not peck at, but the watchers always found some fault with the tree--the trunk might be too short, or twisted, or too large in diameter, or growing where it could not be felled properly. At last the 'Elepaio alig hted on a beautiful, straight tree which the Kahuna declared was exactly the one he had in mind. He and his assistant thereupon hewed a deep groove in the trunk, near the ground, and we returned to the settlement to get assistance.
After securing supplies, including, food, blankets and tools, and resting at the settlement that night, the Kahuna and four men left again for the mountain the next day. Arriving at the selected tree the Kahuna first made sacrifice of a small pig at its b ase, with incantations and prayers. The koa tree was then cut down, each of the five men taking turns in cutting. The next operation was to trim off the limbs.
When this was finished, the Kahuna measured the trunk and designated where it should be cut off. The men then topped it as it lay on the ground. The trunk was then barked, and pointed at each end. About 18 inches from the stern a deep groove was cut in wh ich to fasten the rope by means of which the trunk was to be hauled to the sea.
The men then roughly hollowed the trunk until the sides were down to about three inches thick, and the bottom of the canoe six inches thick. The Kahuna marked where the pepeiao, or brackets for seats, should be, and these were left as the men hollowed out the trunk.
The following day, after again camping a night in the forest, ropes were attached and the roughly outlined canoe was dragged down the mountain-side to a point about a mile from the sea where it was left beneath the shade of a clump of orange trees for abo ut six months, to be seasoned, trimmed, and smoothed to its final thickness. The trimming and shaping of the canoe lasted several weeks.
The 'iako and ama (outrigger) were made from the hau tree; and the mo'o, or gunwale, from the breadfruit tree.
All during the course of preparations and making of the canoe exact attention was paid to the way in which each operation was performed. There were ceremonies of consecration before the tree was felled, and a certain precedence and form was carefully obse rved. It was considered a very unfavorable omen if any quarrel or disagreement occurred among the men before the tree was cut down, or during its construction.
As the little pig was sacrificed, just before the tree was felled, the Kahuna chanted, in Hawaiian: "Now, thou art a tree. When I cut thee, thou wilt become a man."
When the canoe was completed in all its parts, after about six months had elapsed, and the wood had been polished and lacquered with Hawaiian oils and gums, the owner and the Kahuna joined in prayer and response, at the conclusion of which the owner place d a small pig in the stern of the canoe. The pig walked from stern to bow and sat down, without attempting to jump out. This was declared to be an especially favorable omen.
The event was celebrated by a luau, provided by the owner, in which all the people of the surrounding neighborhood participated. The following day, the canoe was taken to Napo'opo'o, to be launched.
The nine Hawaiians who had taken part in the making of the canoe from the time of the search for the tree to its completion, joined the owner and the Kahuna in the final ceremonials. They were naked except for red malo, and the owner wore a yellow malo. E ach had fish-lines and hooks, and after they had paddled out into the bay, all fished. The owner caught the first fish, a red moana, which was doubly a good omen. The owner had to eat all of the first fish and the bones were thrown into the sea.
About noon, the party, after catching many fish, landed at Ke'ei where another pig was sacrificed and with the fish that had been taken, and many Hawaiian delicacies, were much enjoyed.
In dragging the canoe down from the mountain, the Hukiwa'a (master of ceremonies) uses the following expressions:
Ka pa'a--to hold when the canoe is going too fast;
Kai Kona--steer it to the north (toward Kona);
Kai Ka'u--steer it to the south (toward Ka'u;
Ho'olana mai--easy; raise the stern (lit. "float")
When it was launched, the canoe was christened "'Ehunuikaimalino" ("'Ehu of the calm sea"). 'Ehu was a ruling chief of Kona.
The gods of the canoe, called upon in the ceremonial chants by the Kahuna, were:
Kumahaalii--God of him who journeys in the canoe.
Patrons of the Canoe Builders were the following:
Kuohanawao,
Kuka'ohi'alaka,
Kuka'ie'ie,
Kumokuhali'i,
Kupalalaki,
Kupa'aike'e,
Kupepeiapoko,
Kupepeialoa,
Kupulupulu;
'Elepaio, Goddess of the Canoe Builders;
Laea, Patroness of the Canoe Builders
Gods who assist in restoring and righting canoes when upset in the ocean: Maikahulipu, Maikahuliwa'apu.
The following are the names of parts of the canoe, which, as will be remembered, has become a man:
Chin, 'Auwae, or Moa-moa--where the gunwale joins the bow;
Head, Po'o--the bow; and ku-apo'i, the shield, or weatherboard;
Eyes, Maka, or Manu--bow and stern;
Ears, Pepeiao--brackets for seats;
Ribs, Mo'o--gunwale;
Arms, 'Iako--arms of outrigger, and Ama, the outrigger float;
Wings, or kite, Lupe--the head of the outrigger;
Body, Kino--the hull;
Chest, Uma--the bow [cf. Pukui-Elbert Dictionary: uma is the stern.];
Back, Kikala--the stern [literally, the hip];
Feet, Kapua'i--where the outrigger is joined to walk on the sea;
Nose, Ihu--below the eye;
Wae, the braces.
Among general descriptive names relating to the canoe or its appurtenances are the following:
Hoe--Paddle,
Muku--the short end of the 'Iako
Pola--the seat between double canoes;
Pa'u o Lukia--fashion of tying outrigger for smooth water;
Kaula-'Ohi'a--fashion for tying outrigger for rough water;
Iwika'ele--the body of a canoe [Pukui-Elbert: keel of canoe.]
'Aki--the stools on which canoes are placed on dry land;
Aha hoa wa'a--canoe lashing, made from olona fiber;
Lanalana--the lashing that binds the Ama, or float, to the curved cross-pieces of the canoe's outrigger. These lashings were sometimes highly ornamental; one was called Pa'u o Lu'ukia, a very decorative affair;
Kioloa--a long, elegant, swift canoe used for display and for racing (Emerson's translation of Malo, p. 89). Also, a small canoe, (Andrews-Parker dictionary, p. 296).
Kapena--a tree sometimes used for making canoes.
The ceremony of consecrating the canoe was called "Lolowa'a," and the hog which was sacrificed after the canoe was finished and ready for launching was "Lolo."
