Ikuna Koa Outrigger Canoe Club is proud to announce the addition of our Na `Ōpio (youth) program for paddlers between the ages of 10-17 years old.  This program is open to the public. If you have keiki’s (children) that are interested in learning about the Hawaiian Culture and the lore surrounding Outrigger Canoe Paddling, then this program is a must.  Although the Na `Ōpio will have the exciting opportunity to participate in several Southern California Outrigger Canoe Association races, this is only a part of what this program has to offer.  The keiki’s will be participating in a cultural immersion program where children will learn a great deal about the Hawaiian culture.  They will learn the proper names of the major parts of the Hawaiian Wa’a (Canoe) and Hoe (Paddle) and how they are pronounced in the Hawaiian language.  They will also learn to pronounce in Hawaiian the proper commands to paddle a Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe.  They will learn how to lash or rig a Hawaiian outrigger canoe using traditional lashing techniques with cotton cord.  They will learn the concept of “Mana” and what it means to the Hawaiian people.  They will also learn the importance of the ti leaf in the Hawaiian culture and how to make ti leaf lei’s.  They will also be taught several Hawaiian Chants and learn about the importance of the Hawaiian pu (Conch Shell) and the sacred protocol surrounding it.  They will also have the opportunity to participate in our "Menehune Camp", which will be an overnight campout  with their parents and team mates.  The evening of the campout they will hear stories of Hawaiian Legends such as Pele and Maui.  The next morning they will learn about how most canoes used to be made from koa trees and the protocol involved with selecting the right tree, felling the tree, and fabricating the canoe.  They will also learn about the ancient and more modern method of canoe blessing protocol.  Of course they will also have the opportunity to paddle that day and enjoy a small luau hosted by our adult members.

There will also be a cultural workshop where the keiki's and their parents will have an opportunity to finish sand and varnish their own Hawaiian na hoe (Paddles) giving them a much greater appreciation for their equipment.

This is only some of what the Na `Ōpio will have the opportunity to learn and experience in our cultural education program.  The end result will be a keiki with a much deeper appreciation for the Hawaiian culture and outrigger canoe paddling.  Space is limited so please don’t miss out on this one of a kind cultural education opportunity.  For more information please contact Ikuna Koa Outrigger Canoe Club.

“Mālama O Kamali`i Makamae”
(Protect and Honor Our Precious Children)


Space is limited so contact us now!  info@ikunakoa.com