RACING CANOES OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS By Herbert Dowsett thanks to Herbert Dowsett who recently The days of Hawaiian single outrigger consummated an exchange with the trus canoe racing date back to Kamehameha tees of the Bishop Museum, by which V, whose big ocean going canoe is today they have given the “A” to him and he on exhibition in the Bishop Museum, in turn has given them his 100-year old, presented to them by the late Hon. S. M. two man racing canoe “Malolo” (Flying Damon. Fish) now on exhibition in the museum Of the canoes that followed and known directly below the big canoe of Kameha to us today were those belonging to meha V. Prince Kuhio. One was the “Princess" Mr. Jim Yamasaki, coach of the Kai which is still in commission and now Opua Club of Kailua, Kona, has been owned by Charles Amalu. The other, authorized by Mr. Dowsett to put the the famous “A" known in the old days as “A” back in the best shape possible and “the fastest canoe in the Islands.” no doubt next year they will have-her The records disclose that the "A" in back in competition. 1900 was being taken care of in Kama- Little is known and less recorded about kohonu, Kailua, Kona, by Manuia Mau- ancient Hawaiian canoe racing prior napau, who, with his family, lived in the 1906, but we know for a certainty tha^ old two-story house near the beach where when it was revived in 1933 and 1934 at American Factors lumber yard is today. Napoopoo and again in 1935 at Kailua, In 1906 Prince Kuhio shipped the “A” Kona, and in 1936 in Honolulu Harbor, to Honolulu with a Kailua crew. They four of the oldest racing canoes in the won every race. Shortly afterwards she Islands took part. These were the: was shipped back to Kailua for repairs. “Liu Keo Keo” built by Kealakahi in The Prince had damaged the hull when Kona and owned originally by Dr. Al using her for surfing. ford Wall. In 1909 the Prince shipped her back to “Hana Keoki” built by Kealakahi in Honolulu where she raced against the Kona and owned originally by Dr. Al Outrigger Club canoe the “Hana Keoki.” ford Wall. There were two events in which the “A” “Kai Malino” built by Henry Weeks in participated, the Senior 6 and the Senior Kona and owned originally by Emme 4. The “A” won both races. There was line Upchurch. considerable discussion afterwards and to “Kilohana” built by Takimoto in Kona settle the argument Kuhio suggested that and owned originally by Bill Thomp they change canoes. This was done and son. Kuhio’s boys from Kailua paddling the Of this quartet of oldtimers the “Kair "Hana Keoki” beat the Outrigger crew in Malino” is the only one that has be^_ the “A”. This proved conclusively that out of competition since 1936. But to it was not all canoe that counts in win day, through the kindness of Mrs. Up ning races, but a well trained, well timed church the canoe has been loaned to the and well balanced crew.* The Outrigger Kai Opua Club of Kailua and was back Club Six in that race were the following: in competition on August 9th, 1952 in the Julian Yates Championship Regatta No. 1—Harry Steiner at Kailua, Kona. No. 2—Knute Cottrell In addition to these four canoes, two No. 3—Ed Melanphy (deceased) other oldtimers, the “Kakina” (formerly No. 4—Dad Center the “EhuKai”) and the “Leilani,” built No. 5—Vincent Genoves by Jim Yamasaki in Kailua, Kona, and now owned by the Outrigger Canoe Club No. 6—“Rusty” Brown (deceased) are also in competition and still winning • See September Forecast for more details. races. Today the “A” is back in her old The above six canoes with the "Malia” home, Kamakohonu, Kailua, Kona, owned by Waikiki Surf Club and also [14] built by Jim Yamasaki in Kailua, Kona, the 'Kaualani” owned by Hui Kalia and the “Papaloa" owned by Healani com plete the list of canoes racing today under the rules of the Hawaiian Canoe Rac The ing and Surfing Association which was founded several years ago but completely MAIL reorganized this year with a revamped set ol by-laws and a new set ol racing BOX rules. As a result, Hawaiian Canoe Rac Dear Fellow Scribe: ing is now definitely re-established 0 1 1 a Didn't know if Fred had shown yon this slant of mine from San Diego Club Life—last Decem sound basis and under this set-up should ber. grow anil prosper lor mam vears to come. Had a W aikiki nite at the Club Xov. /, Pal “ I'hid" Fintzelberg was host to 70 of its—daugh ter Thelma was last word in Hula—AH I’ery TOPS-y! Our Club folks sing the praises of OCC oft— endless stream continues to head your way. Enjoy Forecast no end. Keep uj> the fine work. SWELL! Kum in for an Aloha when in San Diego. Hello to Duke, Fred. Dad. et al. Regards around to all. Dick Bar the! mess. —ami lo you Dick. Aloha! Hope we’ll see vou around here soon again. 1 i 1 10 Dec. 1932 Dear Ernie: Just received the December Forecast. My nam e for Name a Canoe Contest”—Ring of lhe Waves —was misprinted. It should have read in the Forecast as— Relii o ka ale. and not Relii o ka ai. Will be in Honolulu from ‘JO Dec. to 5 Jan. so will see you and the gang at the Club. A loha. MICKEY “Correction noted. Committee j) I ease correct.” —Fditor. 1 1 1 December 15, 1952 Ernest Stenberg, Editor. Forecast” maga/inc Dear Mr. Stenberg: This past weekend a group of we members of the San Onofre Stirling Club were passing around a very tattered and obviously well thumbed copy of your 'Forecast" magazine for October, 1952. and I noticed your article re the Hawaiian Aqua tic Hall of Fame. After a vigorous discussion, with no dissenters, we decided that we would like to offer the name of Pua Kealoha for nomi nation. if someone else has not already done so, and if nominations are still open. I speak for myself and a host of other aquatic enthusiasts in offering Pua s name for your con sideration. His accomplishments in the past as a member of the I'.S. Olympic team from Ha waii. and his present day enthusiasm and interest in all phases of water sports certainly merit con sideration and selection by your commit tee for membership in the Hawaiian Aquatic: Hall of Fam e. Johnny Ray dried his tears when he met Marie I know Pua’s been away from home a long Christiansen at the OCC. time, but to a lot of the members of our beach Pic by "Scoop" Tsuzuki club here, both boys and girls, who have never [ 15]