VIDEO: All Hands On Deck As Maui Voyaging Canoe Nears Completion

By Wendy Osher

Crew members and voyaging enthusiasts are on a mission to complete construction of a seafaring canoe for the island of Maui.

Beginning on January 9, 2010 and on each subsequent Saturday, crew members and volunteers will participate in work days to get the 62-foot-long Mo’okiha O Pi’ilani ready for the water.

The double-hulled sailing canoe is being built at the Kamehameha Iki Park canoe hale, using traditional methods of construction and lashing techniques.

Crew member Timmy Gilliom works on the finishing touches of the Mo'okiha O Pi'ilani at Kamehameha Iki Park in Lahaina. At 6'2", he pales in comparison to the massive hulls of the voyaging canoe. Courtesy Photo: Hui O Wa'a Kaulua.

Work to build the vessel began in the mid 1990’s, but gained momentum in recent years under guidance of the non-profit group Hui O Wa’a Kaulua. Excitement over the project got an additional boost with the efforts led by Hui president and entertainer, Willie K. who has been the featured performer at fundraising events.

“It will take an entire community of volunteers to make this happen,” said Myrna Ah Hee of Hui O Wa’a Kaulua.

The first work day runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Participation is a requirement for future crew members.

The Mo’okiha is among a family of canoes being maintained by the organization and its members.

For more information or to make a donation, call Myrna at (808) 667-4050.

WILLIE K. FEATURED IN FREE NIGHT OF MUSIC FUNDRAISER FOR MO’OKIHA O PI’ILANI VOYAGING CANOE

Maui musician Willie K will be the featured entertainer at a free performance to raise awareness of Maui’s voyaging canoe the Mo’okiha o Pi’ilani.  The performance begins at 7 p.m. Monday at the Lahaina Cannery Mall.

Willie K. plays a free night of music at to help raise funds for the Mo’okiha o Pi’ilani. Photo by Wendy Osher © 2009.

Willie K, the president of the non-profit Hui o Wa’a Kaulua, is working to expand membership and support for the society as it moves towards completion of the 62-foot double hulled canoe.

“We’re trying to expand our membership and share what we’re doing with the public,” said Willie Kahaiali‘i – better known as Willie K.  “This is Maui’s canoe. This is for the whole community. We want to share the Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani with everyone. When it hits the water, we want everyone to know what’s going on.”

The society is dedicated to promoting the Hawaiian culture by offering youth the opportunity to learn about the construction and sailing of authentic Hawaiian sailing canoes, utilizing traditional methods.

Construction on the vessel began in the mid 1990’s and is nearing completion.  It is among a family of canoes being maintained by the organization, which operates out of a canoe hale at Kamehameha Iki Park.

For more information, to get involved, or to make a donation, the contact is:  667-4050 or write to Hui o Wa’a Kaulua, 525 Front Street Lahaina Maui 96761.

The following video documents the efforts of Hui o Wa’a Kaulua.  It was produced by our news crews in August of 2008.  (Produced by Wendy Osher & Frank Pulaski III)