Veteran leaders John Kuia (left) and George Vierra coach keiki paddlers.

LAHAINA — In a sleepy fishing village about five miles north of Kaanapali, several families joined together to form Kahana Canoe Club. It was about 45 years ago and marked the beginning of sustained tradition to honor the family values and culture of the Hawaiian people and the outrigger canoe.

Kahana Canoe Club has since moved south to Hanakao’o Beach Park (Canoe Beach) to continue the pathway to sustain the grassroots values of the islands. The club shares the idyllic setting along the Lahaina shoreline with the two other West Side clubs — Lahaina and Napili.

Kahana spokesperson Katie Austin reported that the Purple and Green are slowly coming back after the two-year pandemic shutdown.

“We’ve got about 85 registered members, and we’re competing in the single A Division. We’re entering about eight to ten events at the regattas,” she said.

Longtime KCC leader John Kuia, one of the remaining stalwarts from the founding of the club, is the current president, with Shaina Auld serving as vice president, Austin as secretary and Robin Ehrlich as treasurer.

The coaching staff includes Austin as adult head coach, George Vierra as keiki head coach, and assistants Mamo Hussey, Bobo Naleieha, Jeff Higgs and Jamie Kranberg.

“It’s really a rebuilding year for us, and our goal is to focus on the keiki with our eye on the future for the club. As with all of the clubs, we emphasize the values and importance of ohana in everything we do,” said Austin. “Most especially, we remember the Naleieha family and its origins with the club. That is the important passion we carry into the regatta coming up that honors the Kahana ohana.

“Our thanks go out to all of families, community, businesses and organizations that support the club, with special thanks to Waterworks Sports and Miss Arepas. Mahalo to you all,” Austin concluded.