Hanalei Canoe Club is the oldest canoe club on Kauaʻi and was created to support the youth of Kauaʻiʻs north shore communities. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, our youth program continues to be the club's heart, bringing together communities from keiki to kupuna.

Since 1973 till today, Hanalei Hawaiian Civic Club and Hanalei Canoe Club have continued to prioritize our nā ʻōpio (youth) paddling program. The opportunities this program offers our keiki are at the core of the Civic Club and Canoe Club’s missions. This yearʻs youth program includes 50+ paddlers, ages 5-18. Many of our nā ʻōpio (youth) are third and fourth-generation paddlers, making this 50th Anniversary especially significant.

For our 50th Anniversary Lūʻau, we're honoring our roots and raising funds to send our nā ʻōpio to the 2023 State Championship in Hilo. Paddling and waʻa culture is the piko of our 50th Anniversary Lūʻau Fundraiser. There will be educational and entertainment offerings, delicious food, and canoe rides - all activities celebrating Hawaiian canoe culture, history, and paddling.

The State Championship Race in Hilo is a special and significant milestone for youth paddlers - a memory they will carry with them for years to come. Hilo is a hub for Hawaiian cultural education. During their trip, youth paddlers will have the opportunity to connect with historically and culturally significant places. Given that the location of the State Championship Race rotates annually, this opportunity occurs once every six years! The program would not be possible without the generous support of our community - from parents to volunteers to donors and sponsors. All proceeds from the 50th Anniversary Lūʻau Fundraiser will allow our qualifying youth program paddlers to participate in the 2023 State Championships in Hilo this year.

Paddling for youth transcends technical waʻa skills - it teaches our youth leadership, discipline, ocean and water safety, and teamwork through Hawaiian traditional cultural practices. The 50th Anniversary Lūʻau is the perfect family-friendly event to show your support for this practice, this program, and our community. Please join us!