Hoʻākea Kauaʻi LāʻOhana 2026 builds upon the momentum of "Hoʻākea: Waʻa Kaulua Pae Kula" to broaden the understanding of wa’a for students by providing an opportunity to engage with wa’a and ‘āina crew members and interactive learning activities ma kai in Hanalei, Haleleʻa on 21st and 22nd 'Aukake 2026.  This HIDOE sponsored event honors the rich history and traditions of Hawaiian voyaging by bringing together an auwa’a (fleet of canoes) and mālama ‘āina (land and ocean) based organizations in our communities to provide hands-on learning experiences that perpetuate foundational values and perspectives of the navigation.  Our auwaʻa for Hoʻākea features waʻa kaulua from our home island of Kauaʻi and waʻa from neighboring islands.

All events FREE and open to HIDOE and public charter school haumana, kumu, lima hana and ʻohana for both days.

REGISTER for the 'Kupa Kaula Waʻa Experience': an experience that features a waʻa learning journey through multiple activity stations that culminates with being able to ride a waʻa!  Please preview and select your most preferred time and day of check-in to the experience.   (SELECT 'SIGN UP' AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE TO RESERVE A SPACE)

NOTE:

• Keiki in 2nd grade and younger will have to be registered with a parent OR ʻohana member to be able to sail at the end of the “Kupa Kaula Experience.”  Parents or ohana members please ensure you are also individually registered and waivered at the same time slot to ride altogether.
• All are welcome to attend, and NO reservation is needed for the other educational booths and entertainment.
• As a HIDOE service, HIDOE schools will receive priority notice of registration in mid-May.  Charter schools will receive notice near the end of May. 
• To purchase a Hoʻākea Kauaʻi shirt: please click the ʻSTOREʻ link at the top of this page.
• CANCELLATION: If you are unable to attend or have to cancel, please contact us at waamanokalanipo@gmail.com, to allow other families to register.  

WHAT IS THE “KUPA KAULA EXPERIENCE”?

A waʻa learning journey through multiple activity stations that culminates with being able to ride a waʻa!  Complete all stations by your sail time that you will receive at check-in to be able to sail.  Each learning station will earn you a new tool to attach to your kupa kaula.  Our stations:

KAULA (Rope) & HĪPUʻU (Knots):  Practice braiding!  Each person will be making a kupa kaula, a 3-braid paracord purple crossbody kaula made by braiding the paracord and tying knots. This can be used to clip in your water bottle and other necessary items when on a waʻa.  Learn how to tie a hīpuʻu pahu (square knot) or a hīpuʻu walu (figure 8).  Learners that are ready for more of a challenge, can practice the bowline or clove hitch, etc.

HE MOKU: Knowing your moku and where you are from is important.  Stay tuned for a zoom to help anyone who needs help with finding this information.  You can do your own research by looking up your ahupuaʻa here or another resource here.  Cross-reference, conduct research, ask a kupuna.  Here is what we want you to know with Hawaiian pronunciation:
Kou Mokupuni (Your Island): 
Kou Moku (Your District)
Kou Ahupuaʻa (Your Smaller Land Division)
Kou Mauna/Puʻu (Your Mountain or Hill of your ahupuaʻa)
No nā haumāna kaiapuni: kou kahawai, kou makani a me ka ua o kou ahupuaʻa
 
PEPEIAO (Cleat): Learn how to secure rope to a cleat while also practicing how to properly say Hoʻākea ma uka a ma kai and the ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: He Waʻa He Moku.

HŌʻONE (To sand): Integral in building and maintaining a waʻa is sanding.  Spend 10-15 minutes sanding.