Hawaiian Kamali'i

Hawaiian canoe club (hcc) was founded in 1960 with a commitment to provide a variety of cultural opportunities through paddling to adults and the youth of maui. The commitment to the youth was formalized in april 1992 with the creation of an autonomous 501(c)(3) organization, Hawaiian Kamali'i Inc., that provides educational and cultural activities in an ocean-oriented program for youth. The mission statement of Hawaiian Kamali'i Inc. Recognized the continuing commitment "to perpetuate and preserve the art of Hawaiian canoe paddling through personal growth and character development rooted in traditional Hawaiian cultural values." Over the past twenty years approximately 2,200 maui youth have participated Hawaiian Kamali'i's programs. Each summer 150 youth ages 9-18 from central, upcountry, and south maui participate in our popular leadership training program (ltp) and summer enrichment program (sep). The ltp teaches high school students about positive role modeling, time management, goal setting, Hawaiian history, language, culture, and ocean safety. Keiki ages 9-13 who enroll in the sep learn a wide range of subjects through classroom instruction, hands on activities, and excursions around maui nui (which includes the islands of maui, lana'i, moloka'i, and kaho'olawe). Excursions allow youth to explore maui nui as a 'living classroom' in a cultural context. The youth travel to places throughout maui nui accompanied by makua (middle aged adults/parents) and elder members of Hawaiian canoe club. This fosters inter-generation exchange of positive values and builds a sense of 'ohana (family) within our organization. The learning and practice of native Hawaiian culture is the essence of everything we do at hcc. This starts in the canoe. Paddling connects young people with their heritage and ancestry, creating deep connections and a sense of self. Cultural beliefs, values and practices are important assets for our keiki, as a clear and positive ethnic and cultural identity is important to self esteem. Each summer huaka'i (excursions) form the foundation of Hawaiian kamali'i. Each huaka'i has a unique lesson and experience that corresponds with our curriculum. These trips are life-changing opportunities to experience places that many people have never seen. Before each trip, keiki learn appropriate cultural protocols, such as oli and ho'okupu, which are unique for the area. At each location, keiki contribute to the 'aina in a physical way such as clearing a lo'i or planting trees. The huaka'i to kaho'olawe is the most significant for our keiki because of the cultural and spiritual significance of the island. Hawaiian Kamali'i is involved in a multi-year project of building a rock lined 'ala hele loa around kaho'olawe in cooperation with the kaho'olawe island reserve commission and the protect kaho'olawe 'ohana. Ongoing year-round activities enable hundreds of children be a part of our "cultural home." In addition to our flagship summer and leadership programs, hcc offers intersession camps, international travel to world sprints, and supports maui interscholastic league (mil) paddling teams. Our hale and club site also serve the greater community, as this place is busy all year long with baby lu'au, graduation parties, funerals, family reunions, and community event which are often made available at no charge. Two schools practice at hcc for mil paddling programs, and we lend canoes to two other school teams. Hcc hosts events each year that benefit other community organizations and also partners with other organizations.