Welcome to Koa’e Outrigger Canoe Club

Who We Are

Koa’e Outrigger Canoe Club is a recreational paddling ʻohana made up of a diverse and welcoming community. Some of us paddle daily, others just a few times a month. Many members also paddle with other Maui canoe clubs and compete in sprint and long-distance races, while others simply enjoy the peaceful connection with the ocean.

We span a wide range of ages, abilities, and paddling experience, and we strive to create an inclusive space for everyone.

Our mission is to make outrigger canoe paddling accessible to all while promoting both physical and mental wellness. We believe deeply in the healing power of the ocean — it’s our medicine.

How Can I Get In On It?

We kindly ask each Koa’e Outrigger Canoe Club member to contribute a $100 annual donation. This helps support our access to the canoes provided by the Kimokeo Foundation and use of the paddling site at Kalepolepo Fishpond. Your contribution plays a vital role in covering our operating costs, including equipment upkeep, logistics, and overall program support.

As a 100% volunteer-run organization, we rely on community support to keep things going.

Additional donations are always welcome and go toward essential expenses like liability insurance, website hosting, and canoe maintenance. While not required, any extra support is deeply appreciated and helps us continue providing an enriching paddling experience for all.

There are also volunteer opportunities available:

What We Offer…

We paddle out of Kalepolepo Fishpond in Kihei. While we’re not a competitive racing club, we still get a solid workout and keep a strong, steady pace. Our focus is on fitness, teamwork, and finding the right blend in the canoe, not on who can paddle the hardest.

We also take time during each session to enjoy the ocean, soak in the beauty of Maui, talk story, and strengthen our sense of community.

Recreational Paddle

7:00 am - 8:30 am Monday thru Saturday

Na Koa’e Men’s Mental Health Peer Support Group Paddle

7:00 am - 8:30 am Sunday

The Koaʻe Kea — the white-tailed tropicbird — can fly hundreds of miles away from land in search of food, yet it always finds its way back. For lost voyagers, spotting this bird is a sign of hope and guidance. It reminds us that we’re never truly lost — sometimes we just forget that we belong to the natural world.

This group is a welcoming space for any kāne navigating mental health challenges. We’ve created a safe, non-judgmental environment where honesty and openness are encouraged. The ocean gives us the space to breathe, to speak, and to feel.

Depression, PTSD, anxiety, brain injuries, and other mental health struggles often lead to isolation, but paddling together helps break that cycle. The physical movement, the ocean’s medicine, and the shared support of men who understand can make a powerful difference.

When men are physically, mentally, and emotionally supported, they become stronger fathers, partners, friends, and help build stronger communities.

Contact Us

Interested in joining our paddling ʻohana, lending a hand as a volunteer, or supporting us with a donation? We’d love to connect with you.

Every form of support, whether it’s your time, energy, or financial contribution, plays a vital role in helping us grow and sustain our community.