Our Mission
In partnership with other groups, Hui O Waʻa Kaulua is committed to developing and conducting model educational programs using voyaging to excite and challenge students and their communities to learn about, respect, and care for the natural and social environment. It is our vision to have a healthy, productive, safe Hawaiʻi and planet Earth.
Our Vision
To cultivate and support future generations of voyagers to perpetuate their culture.
Our Logo
Represents the Hui assembly of Waʻa Kaulua double hull canoes, along with the nalu waves, ʻiwa guiding bird, hoku navigation star, moʻo trail lizard, la sun, and the triangular shape representing strength from our past, present & future.
Our Canoes
Mo’okiha O Pi’ilani
“The Sacred Lizard of Piʻilani”
This 62-foot 5-inch waʻa kaulua Hawaiian double hull canoe is made from wood, fiberglass and resin with a twin mast, skillfully crafted for transoceanic voyaging. She also performs an intricate role as a “floating classroom”. Mo’okiha was launched on July 11, 2014. When the Moʻokiha isnʻt out on a voyage, she can be found moored off the shore at 525 Front Street, Lahaina (Kamehameha Iki Park) or in her slip at Maʻalaea Harbor.
Mo’olele
“The Leaping Lizard”
Moʻolele is a solid wood 42-foot waʻa kaulua Hawaiian double hull canoe with a single mast and a traditional crab claw sail. Hui O Waʻa Kaulua uses Moʻolele as a "floating classroom". Mo’olele was launched Sept 20, 1975. This vessel is currently being restored at 525 Front Street, Lahaina (Kamehameha Iki Park).
OUR HISTORY
Nānā i ke kumu
“Gaze towards the Origins”
Past
It is believed that the Hawaiian Islands were uninhabited until around 400 AD when the first Polynesians arrived.
Our Polynesian Ancestors sailed across the vast Pacific Ocean in search of a homeland bringing with them plants for food, clothing, and shelter utilizing their ike knowledge of navigating by the stars and natural elements such as the wind, rain, ocean currents, and sea birds.
The Hui started gathering in 1975, but was officially formed as a 501(c)3 organization in 1978 and launched:
Moʻolele in 1975
Moʻokiha O Piʻilani in 2014
E Holomoana
“Sailing Along”
Present
Papa Hoʻokele is our ʻōpio voyaging program, which reaches thousands of school children and community members each year. The program concludes with a 2-3 day voyage on Moʻokiha O Piʻilani, usually to a neighboring island, where the voyagers participate in community outreach at festivals and public events.
Papa Holokai is our crew training program, where crew receive in depth education of Hawaiian voyaging knowledge, including the history of voyaging, cultural protocol, celestial navigation, sense of place, nature awareness, ocean safety, health and fitness, cultivation and the use of native plants.
Holomua i ke Awe o nā Kūpuna
“Sailing forth in the Wake of the Ancestors"
Future
We will continue to provide educational programs to all of Maui Nui (Maui, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, Kahoʻolawe).
We strongly believe in supporting "Mauka to Makai", the connection of mountains to the ocean. We will continue to help preserve our beautiful coral reefs, by partnering with Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve, who focuses on reforesting our islands to prevent runoff which damage our coral reefs.
Our ultimate goal would be to voyage to Tahiti and join Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia on future voyages.
