Story and Photos by Carolyn Corley (except as noted)
July 6, 2024
The morning dawned clear and bright with a slight, steady breeze from the east. I was excited for my first full-length paddle with the club since joining at the Cinco de Coptic Easter Meet and Greet at Kualoa Beach Park. Upon arriving on the beach at Kahana, we chanced to meet some folks from the nonprofit, Mai Uka Ku‘u Wa‘a, getting ready to launch their child-sized, handmade canoes for the first time. Among other Polynesian/Hawaiian cultural education programs, this group cuts down invasive trees and teaches kids how to carve their own canoe hulls with a traditional adze, or hand axe. I’ve included some footage of the maiden voyage of a Hawaiian style outrigger canoe complete with a sail.
Once we set out on the water ourselves, we enjoyed a smooth paddle with spectacular views of the lush green Ko‘olaus. Terry and I stayed within the reef, thankfully, as the white caps beyond looked daunting. The ever-intrepid Steve took off with his fishing poles and was soon lost to sight, if not to radio signal. Bill and Sandy opted to put in further along the coast — and dear reader, I admit now that I probably should have joined them for a shorter paddle… more on that in a bit. Meanwhile, I reveled in the salty air tinged with the fragrance of plumerias with my pre-workout drink vibing through my veins. I was ready for adventure! Gliding along the coast, the water was an otherworldly shade of clear azure. We saw pristine, secluded beaches, heard many manu singing their songs, and even spied a couple honu surfacing for breath.
As we approached Lāi‘e Point, the views and conditions became decidedly less serene. The wind picked up significantly and the waves responded in kind. While I never felt in any danger of tipping my rented Scrambler XT, the wide, rudderless boat was ponderously slow and difficult to steer amongst the swells. The thought that kept me going was, “I will not be rescued off the water today. I WILL NOT be rescued off the water today!” A mantra of determination and hubris. I paddled furiously to keep up with Terry, who had the patience of saint throughout my ordeal. Despite the challenges, I was nevertheless thrilled to see the dramatically rugged coastline, not to mention the puka — a testament to the ocean’s relentless power. I’m ever in awe of the combined natural forces that shaped our island home.
Once we arrived at Māleakahana, the waters calmed once more, but my poor arms were noodles from the workout. I had precious little left in the tank when I finally huli’d ashore, losing my cap and sunglasses to waves, alas. But I popped right back up and was grateful to Bill and Steve for hauling my boat up the beach. Exhausted as I was, I beamed with pride when Terry said that having made my way through the gauntlet of Lāi‘e officially qualified me for any paddle around the island.
As with many challenges I’ve faced in this life, I survived this excursion with about half as much grace as I wish I had yet double the amount of strength and endurance I ever imagined I had. And lesson learned: rudders rule! Once more unto the breach, dear friends! (Gotta add some Shakespeare in there, couldn’t help myself 😁)