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Nā Kālai Waʻa and Makaliʻi ʻOhana 3.webp

Makaliʻi Makes 30

Makaliʻi turned 30 on February 4, 2025! Help us "make ready" for 30 more years and beyond.

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Ke Kahua,

Our Foundation

Nā Kālai Wa`a (NKW), is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, established in 1993. NKW is dedicated to the continued practice of Hawaiian sailing canoe traditions. Mauloa was the first wa`a built in 1993 through traditional methods and with traditional materials. In 1995, Makali`i, a 54 foot double hulled voyaging canoe was completed and launched. These wa`a provide a vessel for educational and cultural experiences in the community, firmly instilling a sense of kuleana to each other and to our Earth. Built upon this foundation, Nā Kālai Wa`a provides activities and programs designed to support community involvement while maintaining the seaworthy integrity of Makali`i and the vessels in her family.​ Makaliʻi turned 30 on February 4, 2025! Over the years, we’ve built an ʻohana, trained new voyagers, and sailed to places like Kahiki, Satawal, and Mokumanamana. What we've learned: it’s the time spent together—preparing with family and community—that makes it all possible. We’ve got big work ahead to repair our moku and waʻa so we can keep voyaging.  Your support makes it happen!

Makaliʻi ʻOhana making ready for Hanauna Ola Voyage to Mokumanamana.webp

Ka Nuʻukia

NKW’s vision, “He waʻa he moku, he moku he waʻa,” was inspired by Uncle Clay Bertelmann.

Updates from our Blog...

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Makaliʻi

ʻōpeʻa

spar

ʻpeʻa

main sail

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kia

mast

kaula peʻa

tricing lines

manu ihu

bow

paepae

boom

kaula paepae

sheet lines

ʻākea

starboard hull

manu hope

'ōpe'a

spar

pe'a

main sail

stern

kaʻele

hull

hoe uli

steering paddles

Laulima

Collaborative Work

Na Kalai Waʻa and Makaliʻi has created many opportunities and experiences, but most importantly, we bring together, people. If we stand for anything, itʻs community.

ʻOhana Makaliʻi

Ohana Makaliʻi is the heart and minds of everyone who helped bring Makaliʻi to life—and all who continue to support Nā Kālai Waʻa’s voyaging and education. ​ It began on Mauna Loa, searching for a koa tree to build Mauloa, our first canoe. Like people, waʻa are born into ʻohana—Mauloa, Makaliʻi, Hokuliʻiliʻi, and Alingano Maisu are part of ours. Today, the Makaliʻi ʻohana is over 1,000 strong and growing. There is mana in our togetherness-this magic felt deeply as we celebrate 30 years in 2025. In 30 years Makaliʻi has created many many opportunities and experiences, but most importantly. she brings together, people. If Makaliʻi stands for anything, itʻs community. As Papa Mau would say "stick together" so our waʻa, our moku and we can thrive.

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