Nā ‘ōpio (Youths)
Ikuna Koa, Ikuna Koa Outrigger Canoe Club is proud to announce our third year of our Ōpio (youth) cultural immersion program for paddlers between the ages of 10-18 
years old. This program is the only one of its kind on the U.S. Mainland and is open to the public. If you have nā ‘ōpio (youths) that are interested in learning about the Hawaiian culture and the lore surrounding Outrigger Canoe Paddling, then this program is a must. Although the nā ‘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 nā ‘ōpio will be participating in a cultural immersion program where they will learn a great deal about the Hawaiian culture. Some of the topics they will learn are: The proper names of the major parts of the Hawaiian Wa‘a (Canoe) and Hoe (Paddle).
- All of the commands to paddle a Hawaiian outrigger canoe using the Hawaiian language.
- How to lash or rig a Hawaiian outrigger canoe using traditional lashing techniques with cotton cord.
- The concept of “Mana” and what it means to the Hawaiian people.
- The importance of the ti leaf in the Hawaiian culture and how to make ti leaf lei’s.
- They will learn several Hawaiian oli (chants) in the Hawaiian language.
- The will learn the importance of the Hawaiian pū (Conch Shell) and the sacred protocol surrounding it.
- They will 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 watch several movies about Polynesian navigation and koa canoe fabrication.
- They will also 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.
- There will periodic cultural workshops on various subjects including Hawaiian history, crafts, and language.
This is a small fraction of what the nā ‘ōpio will have the opportunity to learn and experience in our cultural immersion program. The end result will be a ‘ōpio 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 Uncle Gus of Ikuna Koa Outrigger Canoe Club.
On July 27, 2009 some of our nā ‘ōpio took a field trip to Maui. While there I introduced them to my kumu "Uncle Bully" (Kimokeo Kapahulehua). Uncle Bully is a spiritual and Hawaiian cultural leader on Maui. Our Ikuna Koa nā ‘ōpio recited a very special and powerful Hawaiian oli (chant) for him known as "E Ho Mai". This is a special chant used to summon all of our ancestors to witness a special event. He followed their oli with a pule bringing our two Nā ‘Ōpio programs and canoe clubs together as brother and sister. While on island our nā ‘ōpio also paddled canoe, worked on a double hull sailing canoe, and planted and harvested kalo.
“Mālama O Kamali‘i Makamae”
(Protect and Honor Our Precious Children)