The chain of islands collectively called Hawaii is engulfed by a body of pure glistening water that attracts tourists from all over the world year-round. Its location makes it ideal for many sea related activities. The island's rich history is significantly connected to the vast ocean that surrounds it. Early inhabitants were lovers of the sea who created the world renowned sport of surfing. The history of the sport is tied to the paddling of canoes which were and still are an island specialty.

Hawaiian canoes have evolved over the past centuries to include different design aspects that further enhance their speed and maneuvering capabilities on the water's surface. The construction of these canoes are to this day detailed with the utmost care. While the body of water that surrounds the island chain is visually impressive, it is potentially deadly, with fierce waves that rise to great heights before crashing down. Subsequently, the natives who partook in seafaring activities had to develop specialized skills and boat building methods that allowed them to tackle the seas capably. These methods were handed down through generations and transformed over time to incorporate different characteristics that are still applied to this day.

The Legend of Hawaiiloa
Hawaiiloa is a legendary figure in Hawaiian folklore. While the actual existence of the hero is debatable based on his relatively late appearance in documented history, the story still carries with it a profound sense of pride for natives who regale in its retelling. It is said that Hawaiiloa inadvertently discovered the island one day while exploring the tremendous ocean. Upon arriving on the uninhabited coastal region, he then returned to his native Kai a meleme a Kane and set out on an expedition with eight other navigators and family members. His exploration led him to settle on the "Big Island" which is now named Hawaii in his honor. It is also said that the smaller islands O'ahu, Maui and Kaua'i were all named after each of his sons.

The legend plays an important role in establishing each inhabitant's pride in his or her love for the sea. The story, while possibly fictional, speaks to the Hawaiians' thirst for adventure and audacity when facing the perils of the unpredictable waters. In honor of the legend, a voyaging canoe was constructed and appropriately named Hawaiiloa. The canoe was sailed and navigated as a show of Polynesian bravery and natural capacity to conquer the seas shortly after it was built. The famous canoe is currently stored at the Honolulu Harbor and is sometimes used as a means of learning more about how early inhabitants traversed the open waters.

The Construction and Sailing of Canoes
Early voyagers to the islands were awe-struck to see the numbers of canoes that were built for both transportation and fishing purposes. Captain Cook who led an expedition to Hawaii in 1779 estimated that at least 1500 canoes were perched on the shores of the "Big Island". Canoeing was in essence a way of life for the more than 200,00 natives who occupied the territory during that time period. The popularity of this mode of transportation was partly the result of its efficiency in allowing natives to circumvent the rugged terrain of the islands that included steep volcanic mountains. The ocean was not merely a part of the geography, but too a way of life.

The typical canoe was the "single-hulled outrigger" which was appropriate for fishing done near the islands' shores. They were roughly anywhere between 15 and 24 feet long. Attached to the side was one float that was used to stabilize the structure. The hull was no thicker than one and half inches resulting in a canoe that was lighter than 50 pounds making them easy to carry around.

The physical aspect of construction was only one part of building a canoe. Before the process began, ceremonies were held and prayers were said. These rituals were important to guide the hands of the craftsmen and also to bring good fortune on the open seas. The next stage of building the canoe involved the selection of the wood to be used, normally from the Koa. Modest, yet effective tools were used to create the design and shape. A chisel, stone adzes and file were the main tools utilized to give structure to the canoe. For lengthy voyages a much bigger "double-hulled canoe" would be employed. They would generally hold 100 individuals and would be adorned with sails and paddles to make maneuvering flexible. The efficiency of these canoes led the Explorer William Ellis to comment on how much more quickly a single man could row a canoe made on the islands in comparison to a crew on a whaleboat.

The boats used were sometimes fitted with sails or manned with paddles. The use of either fluctuated throughout the history of the Hawaiian made canoe. In general larger canoes going on longer journeys used sails to reduce the inconvenience of excessive paddling.

Outrigger Canoe Racing
The outrigger canoe is a product of the islands and one which has become the main staple in boat racing. The design is a cut above others that presently exist today. The outrigger is the result of centuries of modifications that have been applied to the typical "dug-out" canoe.

There are multiple variations to the style and several other territories within the Oceania region have created their own designs. The framework of the Hawaiian outrigger allows it greater stability once on the water. This attachment is connected to the hull using a lashing technique that is a part of the traditional style. The importance of creating a more stable canoe is what has enabled the sport of outrigger canoe racing which continues to be a competitive pastime on the island.

From the onset of the activity, there was a certain sense of achievement associated with winning such races. It was a customary practice to make bets on the winners. For a brief period, the races and associated gambling were banned when the Europeans began colonizing the islands, however, that would end once King David Kalakaua came to power.

Canoe racing continues to thrive in Hawaii. Proof of this can be seen in the number of clubs that have since been established exclusively for its promotion. Countries like the United States, Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and many others have active outrigger canoe clubs all inspired by the Hawaiian tradition.

The Hawaiian islands are home to beautiful beaches, an expressive culture, exotic plants and inhabitants who value the natural offerings of their environment. The continued presence of a strong boat building industry pays homage to the natives' ancestral connection to the sea and the upholding of values that inform the Hawaiian world-view.

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