Napili Canoe Club’s Men’s 60 crew includes (from left) Hank Haupu, Ron Bradley, Bob Fischer, Eugene Tihada, Gordon Casco and Eddie Maielua.

LAHAINA — The deep family tradition established some 50 years ago at Napili Canoe Club here on the West Side continues and gains new momentum following the Covid limitations of the past two years.

Inspired by such sterling leaders such as Dougie Tihada and the entire Tihada ‘ohana, as well as the inspiration of founders such as Aimoku Pali, the Gold and Black surges on in the 2023 Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Association (MCHCA).

After two regattas, Napili is firmly set in third place in the AA Division of the MCHCA, chasing leaders Hawaiian and Kihei in the team standings.

The dedicated leadership of the club is led by President Theresa Marzan, along with Vice President Courtney Asato, Secretary Kanoe Kenolio and Treasurer Denise Neary, as well as Board Members Irene Tihada and Ron and Debbie Bradley.

Marzan reported that Napili has registered 212 official members — the majority of which are keiki division paddlers. “There are so many keiki paddlers this year that the West Side clubs (Lahaina, Kahana, Napili) all help each other out with equipment and canoes,” she said.

The NCC keiki coaching staff is headed up by Nori Tihada along with assistants Eugene Tihada, Colin Delos Reyes, Kona Maielua, Kanoe Kenolio, Al Nip, Kalei Kauhane, Kamaka Hoshino, and Justin Deleon Jr.

Napili’s adult mentors include Head Coach Joey Tihada and assistants Bubba Kukahiko, Kona Maielua, Bill Green, Cord Munoz, Amy Bodnar, Victory Yokotake, Josh Riccio and Daniel Tancayo.

Marzan added that Napili maintains 12 canoes, including two double-hulled outriggers.

“We’re hoping to get a Kona canoe around the end of summer,” said Marzan. “It’s being built on the Big Island. Our equipment is kept up by many of our members, including Jim Kohler and Ron Bradley, all following the dedication of the late Manny Portables.”

“We are so grateful to everyone helping out in so many ways. The Will Smith Foundation, Susan Moulton and all of the families support the club in so many ways. We’re seeing a generation of them that grew up in the club and now are giving back — especially people like Nori Tihada, who emphasizes the importance of the attention to malama the canoes and the beach for future generations. And to teach the keiki the proper attitudes of learning; these are the important things,” Marzan concluded.