Lahaina Canoe Club focusing on its keiki paddlers

Lahaina Canoe Club plans to have Sonny Bradley refurbish Lehia, its traditional koa canoe.
LAHAINA — The enduring legacy of propagating the cultural tradition of the Hawaiian outrigger canoe here on the West Side continues with the dedication of leaders such as Rose and Boi Crichton of Lahaina Canoe Club.
Launched some 50 years ago by spirited founders such as Earl Kukahiko, George Paoa, Sam Kaai and several others, LCC has continued through the decades as a banner to nurture the endearing program to all ages of the population.
For the 2023 season, the Lahaina club has 130 registered members that will compete in 24 events in various age and experience groups.
The Crichtons are joined by Secretary/Treasurer Ala Calapini, Lorena Martinez, Michaellynn Burke, Michelle Rosenthal and Faave Maluia on the board of directors.
The coaching staff is headed up by Bear Keahi and includes Del Lafountain and Geoff Bogar for the adult crews, with Rose and Boi Crichton mentoring the keiki paddlers.
“Our goal is to get as many keiki paddlers involved as possible and take them all to the state regatta in Hilo,” said Rose from the club’s canoe hale last week.
“Our focus is to take care of the kids of Lahaina. And beyond that, we want to make sure that the Lehia (the club’s traditional koa canoe) is taken care of. We plan to have Sonny Bradley (renowned canoe builder) refurbish Lehia and also to get the equipment the club needs.”
The club will continue to fundraise for the projects and is always looking for sponsors. Currently, the organization is supported by Zuma Development, Maui Bedstore, Chad Santiago and State Farm Insurance, Maui Escape Rooms, and all club members past and present.
“The primary purpose is to educate and perpetuate Polynesian culture through canoe paddling by creating an atmosphere of aloha, malama and mahalo. Beginning with our keiki to our kupuna and continuing that aloha throughout our community,” Rose concluded.