Makana Eyre: State Seeks Traditional Canoe Builders For Koa Wood Logs

via Honolulu Civil Beat by Makana Eyre

Hawaiʻi Seeks Traditional Artisans for Rare Koa Wood Logs

The state of Hawaiʻi is looking for traditional canoe builders (kālai waʻa) to transform salvaged old-growth koa wood logs into traditional voyaging and racing canoes (waʻa). Because old-growth koa trees large enough for canoes are incredibly rare and highly protected, the state is treating these logs as sacred cultural resources rather than commercial commodities.

Instead of a standard bidding process, applicants must submit a comprehensive plan demonstrating how they will involve the community—particularly youth and educators—to help preserve and pass down the generational art of traditional Hawaiian canoe carving.

👉 Read the full article by Makana Eyre on Honolulu Civil Beat

Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025