Adult 2026 Race Season starts February

First practice

Mon, Feb 2, 5:30 – 7 pm

Poka’i Bay – Nanakuli Side

*you must register before your first paddle*

Register

Come learn the art and tradition of Hawaiian outrigger racing with the Mākaha Canoe Club. As one of the smallest clubs on the island, we offer our paddlers more chances to hop in the wa’a, work on their technique, and bond with their crew and the Club than many of the larger canoe clubs. We also offer opportunities to bond as a club with monthly birthday celebrations and community paddling lessons as well as other events like sunset movie nights on the beach and community festivals.

We are open to paddlers of aged 18+ of all abilities. No previous experience is required, but you must be able to swim. If you are willing and ready to learn, put in the physical work required, and work as a team, we welcome you to attend a few practices to get to know sport and the Club. Many people start just wanting to learn recreationally and then fall in love with the sport and the rush of regatta races.

Ready to join? Contact us at 808-216-2225 or makahacc2012@gmail.com.

Have questions? For more, check out our FAQ.

Mākaha Canoe Club

Established in 1971, MCC’s mission is to serve Oahu’s Waianae Coast by preserving, teaching, and competing in the ancient Hawaiian sport of outrigger canoe paddling, providing a healthy activity for keiki and families in our community. We accept youth aged 10+ and adults regardless of ethnicity and ability to pay.

Makaha Canoe Club is a 501c3 nonprofit

Upcoming Events

*events dependent on weather

January

    • Sat, Jan 3, 8 – 11 am, Poka’i Bay (Nanakuli side)
      Community Paddling Lesson – SIGN UP
      *flyer here*

On-Going events

  • Sundays, 8 – 10am, Poka’i Bay (Nanakuli Side) *weather and surf permitting* 
    Adult Long-Distance Paddle Practice

    Annual Calendar

    Mar – Apr

    Pre-Season 

    May – Aug

    Regatta Race Season

    Sept – Dec

    Na Holokai Keiki Canoe Club
    Adult Long-Distance Paddling

    Looking for more ways keep up to date? Join our public information page on online or on the SportsYou app
    Code: WLWE-3YJN

     

    Ready to join? Email us for more info!

    Common newcomer questions

     

    What if I’ve never paddled before?

    No experience is required to join. The only requirement is that you must be able to swim and pass a swimming test.

    What kind of shape should I be in?

    All are welcome. It would be ideal if you are involved in other sports and have a high level of strength, flexibility, and endurance, however, many people come to us with no athletic experience. Again, you must be able to swim and pass a swimming test.

    Are there age restrictions 

    We have paddlers of all ages from keiki (children) aged 10 and older to kūpuna (seniors) in their 80s. Generally those up to the age of 18 paddle together, as do adults. Keiki crews are often grouped by age, while adult crews are based on years of experience.

    What should I wear?

    Paddling is an ocean sport. Most paddlers prefer to wear lightweight type of clothing such as, surf shorts, leggings, or bike shorts or dri-fit type of material. Wear clothing that is lightweight, can get wet and will not hinder your ability to swim if you need to. Wearing sunscreen (Reef safe) is encouraged and bring your own water. 

    Do I need a paddle?

    No, the club provides paddles during practice and for regatta races. However, those who commit to the season may want their own paddle. Paddlers who steer may want their own steering blade. Check with your coach to see what type of paddle they recommend and the best place to purchase.

    See more frequently asked questions.

    History

    Mākaha Canoe Club has served families along the Waianae coast for over 50 years. It was founded in 1971 by community members from within the Waianae moku-the Naone, Abad, Dutro, and Lum Ho ‘ohana. Our mission has always been to perpetuate and promote Hawaiian culture and traditions through the ancient sport of canoe paddling while providing a healthy activity for keiki and families in our community.

    In that same year, Makaha Canoe Club was blessed to purchase the koa canoe Hanakeoki from the Outrigger Canoe Club for $1,500.00. To this day, Hanakeoki has been the beacon of the club, always calling families back to paddle, and or just to come visit and say aloha!