Hui Waʻa Kaukahi

Nui a lehulehu na mokupuni, ʻaʻole lawa ka manawa

So many islands, so little time!

Kayakers pose for a group shot with the full moon in the background

Wolf Moon Paddle

Story by Sarah Schlehr

Cover photo by Sandy, others as noted

January 3, 2026

Sixteen kayakers paddled under the supermoon to the Kāneʻohe sandbar last Saturday night. We paddled under the Wolf moon, but there was no howling on this trip.

Before the paddle, the forecast looked bleak. But, Terry kept a close watch on the weather and, despite some cloud cover, our moonlit paddle was rain free and an easy glide across the water.

I received a warm welcome when I arrived at the Heʻeia Kea Boat Harbor. We began with introductions and a short safety briefing. As always, Hui Waʻa members put safety first. Extra glow sticks were passed around to ensure every boat had some light. Kayaks were put in pairs and every pair had at least one radio! There would be no getting lost in the dark on this trip.

Sixteen kayak on the beach in dim light with Mokoli'i in the background
The flotilla ready to launch (can you find Mokoli’i?)- photo by Sandy
Four kayakers paddling in the dark with head lamps aglow
Head lamps shine brightly as we get underway – photo by Terry
A few kayakers paddling in the dark with lights on. Red channel marker light is in the background.
Heading out of the harbor – photo by Terry

My paddle buddy was Sandy. We had fun paddling and talking on our way to the sandbar. I learned she accomplished her goal of circumnavigating around the entire island in her kayak—a bucket list goal for me! We shared stories about our kayaking and travel adventures. Along the way, the moon played hide and seek and offered many stunning views as it peaked through the clouds.

On our way out to the sandbar, a flashing green light helped us navigate in the dark. We gathered at the blinking light and then took a left turn to the sandbar. The way the light from the moon lit up the clouds was spectacular. But photo credits will need to go to others as I routinely neglect to take any photos myself.

After everyone arrived at the sandbar safely, we got out of our boats to enjoy the low tide and mingle in the moonlight. Eileen, Terry and Norm shared yummy homemade snacks with everyone. We did some moongazing and got lucky enough to see the supermoon make a full appearance from amongst the clouds. After eating and mingling, we took some fun group photos.

Five kayakers and a number of kayaks at the sandbar with a full moon peeking through the clouds
Mahina admirers – photo by Sandy
Kayaks and kayakers in ankle deep water looking at the full moon
Moon worshippers in ankle deep water – photo by Bill McK
Full moon casts the shadow of a lone kayaker
Denny casts a moon shadow – photo by Nikko
Moonlight shimmers off ankle deep water at the sandbar with
Just before mahina reveals herself – photo by Sandy

Our paddle back to the boat harbor was similarly easy. A blinking red light guided us to shore, and all made it back safely.

This was my second time paddling to the sandbar with the Hui Waʻa in the dark, but my first time as an official club member. Paddling under the moonlight is such a unique experience. I’m looking forward to more unique and fun kayaking adventures with the Hui Waʻa!