About Us

The Ocean is Our Way of Life

The Nakoa Foundation is dedicated to preserving the cultural traditions, values, and practices that are integral to the Traditional Hawaiian Canoe. Through our educational programs, we work to strengthen the Hawaiian presence in our community by upholding these values and nurturing the growth of our Hawaiian cultural identity.

The Nakoa Foundation is an IRS recognized 501 c 3 non-profit, dedicated to promoting Social Tolerance and Environmental Responsibility through the perpetuation of cultural traditions and practices associated with the Traditional Hawaiian Canoe.

All programs sponsored by the Nakoa Foundation are free of charge to participants.

PROGRAMS

Nakoa Foundation offers a variety of programs to local keiki.

LEARN MORE

CREW RESOURCES

Explore essential resources for Native Hawaiian Canoeing Crews.

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RECENT EVENTS

Stay informed about upcoming events, classes, and workshops.

LET'S GO

Kalani Nakoa, FOUNDER

Established in 2008 by Kalani Nakoa, the Nakoa Foundation started out as a one man operation with no money. What it did have was a lot of ALOHA. Kalani used his personal outrigger canoes to teach children seamanship, water safety and the core values that guide the Foundation today.

It was his work with the Casey Family Foundation and physically abused children along with his work with the Konawena Middle School "No Child Left Ashore" program, that caught the attention of members of the larger Kona community. They saw the value in this program and got involved.

Funding and administrative support from the National Parks Service's Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, its Irail Support Association and other Kona Community Organizations has allowed the Nakoa Foundation to grow and its programs to mature.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nakoa Foundation's leadership team has been dedicated to preserving Native Hawaiian Canoeing since 1994.

Our Board of Directors are knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, and believe in the importance of cultivating community while honoring Native Hawaiian traditions.