You are about to embark on much more than a simple canoe trip. The Hawaiian canoe, or Va'a as it is traditionally known, is a heritage of more than 3,000 years from the Polynesian peoples, who with bravery and wisdom, explored and colonized islands in the vast Pacific Ocean. Guided by the stars, winds, and currents, these great navigators used canoes not only as a means of transport for long expeditions and fishing, but as a sacred link with the sea and their culture.
Kai Kalai
Kai Kalai is not just a canoe; it is a vessel with a soul, created with purpose and inspired by the tradition of Hawaiian canoeing. Its name carries the spirit of the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), an agile seabird that cuts the surface of the water with precision. Like it, Kai Kalai glides through the sea with lightness and speed, connecting paddler and ocean in perfect harmony.
Its design was carefully thought out to represent this essence. The orange bow reflects the beak of the Black Skimmer, breaking through the waves. The white center represents the bird's belly, a symbol of balance. The black stern evokes its wings and tail, guiding it with firmness and direction. Each color tells a story of strength, speed, and connection with the ocean.
Take a 360° Virtual Tour
Our immersive 360° videos are part of the experience we offer during our tours, allowing you to relive the adventure and share it with friends and family. It's a memory you can take with you.
More than a Vessel, a Symbol of 'Ohana (Family)
Each canoe was built with a deep respect for nature, traditionally from a single tree trunk, like the majestic Koa. For Hawaiians, the canoe has a spirit, a mana, and is considered a member of the family ('ohana). As you paddle in one of our canoes, you will feel the strength of this concept. The synchrony of the paddles, teamwork, and mutual trust are essential to propel the canoe, reflecting the values of union and cooperation that are the basis of Polynesian culture.
An Experience of Connection and Adventure
The canoes you see today, with their main hull (Hull), the side float that provides stability (Ama), and the arms that connect them ('Iakos), are an evolution of an ingenious design thousands of years old. Each paddler has a specific and vital role for the proper performance of the vessel, from the first who sets the pace to the last, the captain, who directs it. We invite you to be part of this tradition. Feel the energy of the ocean, the strength of teamwork, and the rich history that each paddle stroke carries. Embark on this journey with us and discover why the Hawaiian canoe is much more than a sport, it is a way of life.
Caring for the canoe is respecting the sea and those who paddle. These vessels are delicate and essential for the practice of the sport. We ask that you do not climb on, drag, or damage the canoes. Your care helps keep this experience alive for everyone.
