Sailing with I Nui Ke Aho

Interested in learning more about native Hawaiian culture and traditional voyaging practices? One non-profit organization, I Nui Ke Aho, emphasizes
the importance of knowing where you come from, and a substantial part of Hawaiian culture—native Hawaiian voyaging. If you do know a lot about Native Hawaiian voyaging, there’s surely still something Captain Kamaki Worthington could teach you. I Nui Ke Aho, founded by Worthington, is based on the North Shore of Oahu and operates a traditional double-hulled Hawaiian sailing canoe, that is built and maintained by staff and volunteers. This canoe, Wanana Paoa, was built for the purpose of community building through indigenous education to form a traditional navigator’s mindset. I Nui Ke Aho and Wanana Paoa were established by Worthington in 2017, but the idea came about in 2013 after community demand. This demand stemmed from a day in 2013 where Hokulea came to Haleiwa prior to its world departure, and made an impact on the community. The attention and need brought about Wanana Paoa.

With Wanana Paoa, I Nui Ke Aho seeks to strengthen the North Shore community by providing educational programs that teach collaboration,
knowledge, and honorable decision-making to the youth, ohana and community.

“The basic notion is to influence the next generation, to really create a pathway of success for the next generation, and it starts with pride in where they come from and once they have that instilled, they’re capable of maintaining that pathway to success,” said Worthington. Currently, I Nui Ke Aho is working on virtual education materials, performing canoe maintenance, and volunteering at historical sites to give back to the community. The organization is working with their staff alone, and will bring back in-person volunteer days when it’s safe to do so. They hope everyone is doing okay during these difficult times and send positive thoughts throughout the holidays. Email info@wananapaoa.org with any
further questions, and check out their site, wananapaoa.org to stay up-to-date on the latest.