Mauloa Restoration Project

Na Kalai Waa’s Mauloa Restoration Project will bring together the remaining six Masters of traditional Hawaiian canoe carving and construction (Kālai Waʻa) to pass on their knowledge and skills for the traditional sailing canoe, Mauloa. The Kālai Waʻa built Mauloa in 1992-93 being the first traditionally built canoe in over 200 years from a koa log felled with traditional adzes, hewn with adzes, and fabricated with locally collected natural resources. Mauloa now needs all parts replaced, including cordage and a newly assembled sail; however, replacing these parts has proven difficult given that the practice of traditional canoe carving is rapidly declining. Under the tutelage of Masters, the new Apprentices will learn the practice, demonstrate their learning, and contribute to community projects on their home Island. This project will serve at least 12 new Native Hawaiian Apprentices from six (6) communities across three (3) of the Hawaiian Islands. They will be trained in traditional canoe building while 40 community members will be trained in canoe lashing and weaving. Lastly, the project will train 24 community members in the basics of canoe building from the newly trained canoe masters. Ultimately, this restoration provides the platform to preserve key cultural touchstones and re-build the connections communities need in hopes of re-establishing the balance between Human (kanaka), Spirit (akua), and Land/Sea (ʻāina).