Ke Aho Hālau o Makali'i

Ke Aho Hālau is Nā Kālai Waʻa’s crew training program, preparing future voyagers through hands-on learning in navigation, seamanship, cultural practice, and leadership.

Drydock is an important part of crew training because the best way to get to know a canoe is to show up and work on it. By helping build, repair, and mālama the waʻa, crew members develop a deeper understanding of the vessel that carries them. As Papa Mau reminded us, 'First, build the canoe.

Crew Training Highlights

The Ke Aho Hālau o Makaliʻi Crew Training Program gives participants a chance to learn the many skills and values that support our voyaging canoes and communities. Hālau Kālai Waʻa (Canoe Carving) gives participants hands-on experience in drydock and vessel maintenance, helping them learn what it takes to care for and mālama our waʻa. Hālau Hoʻolako Waʻa (Canoe Provisions) focuses on how the whole village contributes to the canoe, from the forest resources used to build and maintain the waʻa to the food that is grown and prepared to feed the crew. Hālau Hoʻokele Waʻa (Canoe Sailing) introduces participants to sailing and life aboard waʻa of all sizes, building confidence and foundational voyaging skills. Hālau Kilolani (Climate Observation) encourages environmental awareness through observing weather and natural systems while learning from the stories and ʻike shared by our kūpuna and crew. Together, these hālau help participants build a deeper connection to voyaging, community, culture, and caring for our environment.