History of Hoe Wa’a and Na Wahine o Ke Kai

Native Stories - En podcast av Indigenous people of the world

Hoe wa'a or Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling started well before the 1960's. History tells us that King Kalakaua brought the sport back to popularity during his monarchy following a ban by missionary influences. In pre-missionary days, racing wa'a was a common part of the makahiki season as a type of sport. This podcast will begin with the history of hoe wa'a from David Malo, a historian/writer in the early 1800's. Listeners will learn how canoes were built, the role of the god Iaka, and the tribulations faced with building a canoe. Finally, the podcast closes with Hannie Anderson, the Na Wahine o Ke Kai Race Director, and her account of how the women's Molokai to Oahu race came to be.

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