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Hawaii Science and Technology Museum

Nā Kama ʻO Kālai Waʻa

Traditional Hawaiian Canoe Carving

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Purpose:

Mission:

To perpetuate the traditional art and cultural knowledge of Hawaiian canoe carving.

Vision:

A new generation empowered to preserve, practice, and share the sacred traditions of wa‘a carving.

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  • Wa’a�Hawaiian canoes (‘waʻ a) are more than vessels—they are expressions of genealogy, craftsmanship, and community.
  • Kupuna�Generational loss of cultural practices threatens the continuity of this knowledge.
  • Cultural Heritage�Canoe carving plays a critical role in Hawai‘i’s identity and Pacific navigation history.

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Instructional Workshops

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Hands-on koa canoe carving techniques

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Use of traditional tools and methods

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Cultural protocol, chants, and mo‘olelo

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Mobile Repair and Mentorship

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Program leader travels to canoe clubs statewide

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Repairs historical koa canoes

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Teaches caretakers basic maintenance

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Teaching the Next Generation

Engages youth and adults across Hawaiʻ i

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Prioritizes rural and Native Hawaiian communities

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Builds leadership and kuleana through cultural practice

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Encourages intergenerational learning

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Impact:

Across Hawaii

Repair work happening on all islands, bringing clubs together

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Revived several historically significant waʻ a

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Strengthened relationships with canoe clubs and schools

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Aotearoa:�Shared carving techniques and waka collaborations

Tahiti:�Cultural exchanges

Taiwan:�Indigenous Atayal partnerships

Japan:�Connecting with traditional boat building communities

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Global Cultural Renaissance

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Kālai Waʻa

Led by experienced cultural practitioners and carvers

Grounded in traditional protocols and community relationships

Deep understanding of Hawaiian environmental stewardship

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Looking Ahead

Expansion of youth apprenticeships

Creation of permanent carving hale

International cultural exchange programs

Documentation and digitization of carving knowledge

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Mahalo for supporting our shared journey in preserving the legacy of Hawaiian canoe carving!

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Christian Wong

Executive Director

Hawaii Science and Technology Museum

christian@hawaiisciencemuseum.org

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