History of Kaiola Canoe Club 

Kaiola Canoe Club was established in 1985 with approximately 25-30 paddlers who had branched off from Kauai Canoe Club. Kaiola literally translated means “ocean of life,” and the first elective board included the following members:

President: Healani Asing

Vice President/Secretary: Erika Martins

Treasurer: Donna “Prigge” Stokes

Coach: Ciso Lagmay, William Kane and Durgh Kane

Committee members:Lorna Dela Cruz, Ernest Yasay, Pomaikai “Apaka” Kane and William Kane Sr

In 1986, Pomai Kane became President of Kaiola Canoe Club. She met with Mayor Tony Kunimura who allowed the club to obtain a revocable permit for the launch area in Niumalu. At that time, Coach Durgh Kane was working construction so he, along with Randy Carter, many friends and club participants built the hale for their members. By the end of 1986, the canoe hale was in full operation and they had a gorgeous blessing to signify its opening. 

Since then, Kaiola Canoe Club has grown to over 120 active members with both youth and adults participating. They currently house and own 11 canoes that are used for both practice and racing.

It has been a beautiful journey with many ups and downs along the way, but the club’s primary focus is on community and the cultural aspects of Hawaiian canoe paddling.

Some of the club’s first big races include:

Molokai Hoe Crossing in 1993

Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance in Kona and Na Wa O Ke Kai Crossing in 1996