Welcome to Koa’e Outrigger Canoe Club
Home to Ka Imua, one of Hawaiʻi's oldest living koa canoes, and a community dedicated to keeping Hawaiian paddling traditions alive.
Who We Are
The Koaʻe Kea — the white-tailed tropicbird — can fly hundreds of miles from land in search of food, yet always finds its way home. For lost voyagers, its presence is a sign of hope and guidance — a reminder that we’re never truly lost, but sometimes forget our connection to the natural world.
Koa’e Outrigger Canoe Club is a recreational paddling ʻohana made up of a diverse and welcoming community. Some of us paddle daily, others just a few times a month. Many members also paddle with other Maui canoe clubs and compete in sprint and long-distance races, while others simply enjoy the peaceful connection with the ocean. We span a wide range of ages, abilities, and paddling experience, and we strive to create an inclusive space for everyone.
Our mission is to make outrigger canoe paddling accessible to all while promoting both physical and mental wellness. We believe deeply in the healing power of the ocean — it’s our medicine.
What We Offer…
We paddle out of Bullyland in Kihei located at 235 North Kihei Road. While we’re not a competitive racing club, we still get a solid workout and keep a strong, steady pace. Our focus is on fitness, teamwork, and finding the right blend in the canoe, not on who can paddle the hardest.
We also take time during each session to enjoy the ocean, soak in the beauty of Maui, talk story, and strengthen our sense of community.
A one-time experience with our Recreational Paddle is an appreciated $40. All ages are welcome. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to 7 am.
Recreational Paddle
7:00 am - 8:30 am Monday thru Saturday
Join the Koaʻe women’s crew for an early-morning paddle every Tuesday & Thursday from 5:00–6:15 am. All experience levels are welcome.
We keep a tight schedule so moms can get their kids to school and everyone can make it to work. Canoes leave the beach at 5:15 AM sharp, and everyone is back in their cars by 6:30am.
Come paddle, move your body, connect with other women, and start the day on the ocean.
Women’s Paddle
5:00 am - 6:15 am Tuesday & Thursday
This group is a welcoming, non-judgmental space for kāne navigating mental health challenges. Depression, PTSD, anxiety, brain injuries, and other struggles can lead to isolation. Paddling together helps break that cycle.
Through movement, the healing space of the ocean, and the support of men who understand, we create room to breathe, speak, and feel. When men are supported physically, mentally, and emotionally, they become stronger fathers, partners, friends, and members of their communities.
7:00 am - 8:30 am Sunday
Men’s Support Paddle
Join the Koa’e 'Ohana
We kindly ask each Koa’e Outrigger Canoe Club member to contribute a $100 annual membership fee. A one-time experience with our Recreational Paddle is a much appreciated $40 fee. Your contribution plays a vital role in covering our operating costs, including equipment upkeep, logistics, and overall program support.
As a 100% volunteer-run organization, we rely on community support to keep things going.
Additional donations are always welcome and go toward essential expenses like liability insurance, website hosting, and canoe maintenance. While not required, any extra support is deeply appreciated and helps us continue providing an enriching paddling experience for all.
There are also volunteer opportunities available:
Canoe maintenance
Preserving Ka Imua
Help maintain Kalepolepo Fishpond wall
Maintain Bullyland alongside HOCVS
Native plant propagation and planting to restore adjacent coastal area
Na Keiki O Ke Kai Kid’s Camp