NAKOA FOUNDATION
Nā Peʻa Program
Nā Peʻa is a youth program sponsored by the Nakoa Foundation which seeks to instill a sense of social and environmental responsibility by perpetuating the traditions and practices of the traditional Hawaiian Sailing Canoe.
Nā Peʻa Program RESOURCES
Nā Peʻa Program Summary
The Nā Peʻa Hawaiian Outrigger Sailing canoe program is open to Middle School and High School Students.
The program focuses on the cultural values significant to the traditional Hawaiian canoe along with its history and its deep connection to the Native Hawaiian Forest. Crew members also learn the mechanics of rigging a canoe using traditional lashing techniques and the skills to sail a canoe on the open ocean. Emphasis is placed on student crew members running the canoe completely by themselves.
Single hull, single outrigger, Opelu fishing canoes with "Crab Claw Sails" are used in our program. These canoes require a heighten level of attention and crew cooperation to operate effectively. The canoe hulls are made of fiberglass that have been molded off of 1800ʻs vintage Koa canoe. Their weight and performance are like the original Koa canoes. The ʻiako and ama of the outrigger along with the mast and spars are made out of traditional Hawaiian woods.
In addition crew members conduct research on the places we visit so we better understand the history and moʻoleo of these Wahi pana,
The program is offered at no expense to student crew members.