Outrigger Culture and History

The Wa'a and Hawaiian Culture - Notes by and courtesy of Sandy Chock-Eng

Cultural Perspective:

The wa’a was and continues to be a central figure in Hawaiian culture. It provided transportation, defense, recreation, connection to distant lands and access to food. Without the wa’a the Hawaiian people might not have come into existence and without it would likely have perished. The wa’a is held in high regard and is treated as part of the family with love and respect. Naming a wa’a is given the same consideration as if naming a child. As a child is blessed or baptized in the Christian tradition, a wa’a is also blessed.

Although the wa’a is no longer critical to the survival of the Hawaiian people, many Hawaiian values, rituals and traditions surrounding the wa’a are still practiced. 

In days past when a wa’a was built its parts were taken from other living entities, like the koa tree, hau tree, the wiliwili pua tree. The ama or outrigger (Wiliwilipua), wa’a kino or hull (Koa), and na iaku or booms (Hau) were lashed together with coconut fiber woven into cords. All the materials for wa’a construction have living spirits (mana), and when they were chopped down their spirits transformed into another vital energy. During a dedication ceremony, appreciation is shown to the forest for allowing the trees to flourish, and to Gods (NaAkua), demi-gods, and ancestors (Na amakua) for giving the gift of the wa’a. The blessed wa’a becomes the seventh voyager in a six-person kanu.

Distance practice in a V12, which is the two OC6 hulls rigged together. Photo courtesy of Tracey Croisier

Naming of a wa’a

Naming a wa’a is taken seriously. Elders are consulted when selecting a name, much like consulting grandparents for family or traditional names. In selecting the names for our na wa’a, Uncle Joe Recca (KSB ’64) a Hawaiian cultural specialist, was consulted. Because na wa’a were purchased by 12 women SAKE members, Uncle Joe wanted to know as much as he could about each of the 12 women – age, ethnicity, education, profession, life challenges, interests, paddling experience. After much reflection, he provided us with Wahine Koa, strong and courageous woman, and Koa Wa’a, strong and courageous kanu. Future wa’a acquisitions will follow this same thoughtful tradition in the naming of them. The most important steps in selecting a name are to consult with elders familiar with ‘Olelo Hawai’I (Hawaiian language) and focus on the values and vision of SAKE.