In old Hawai‘i, outrigger canoe racing was a competitive sport, and gambling on races was commonplace. But the sport was considered immoral by American Protestant missionaries, most of whom arrived in Hawai‘i in “Companies” between 1820 and 1848, and in
In old Hawai‘i, outrigger canoe racing was a competitive sport, and gambling on races was commonplace.
But the sport was considered immoral by American Protestant missionaries, most of whom arrived in Hawai‘i in “Companies” between 1820 and 1848, and in accordance with their emphasis on strict religious and moral behavior, especially as regards to sex and pleasure, the missionaries used their influence to ban it.
It would be not be until 1876 that canoe racing was reinstated by the “Merrie Monarch,” King David Kalakaua, who not only enjoyed gambling, but also took immense delight in balls, parties and other festivities.
By 1908, Hawai‘i’s first outrigger canoe clubs were organized — the Outrigger Canoe Club and Hui Nalu of Honolulu — and in 1950, the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association was established.
The sport’s revival on Kaua‘i followed in 1955, when crew members of the newly organized Kauai Canoe & Racing Assn., led by association president William Ellis, began serious training at Nawiliwili with two purchased canoes.
Among the first competitors coached by Ray Mant were Madeline Chow, Mildred Chow, Mabel Kaliloa, David Kahaunaele, Clarence Napoleon, Robert Mendonca, William Kolo, Raymond Napoleon, Moses Gardner, Robert Kealoha and Jimmy Burgess.
On Kamehameha Day, June 11, 1955, inaugural races were held at Nawiliwili, and Kaua‘i’s first annual regatta took place there on Sept. 25th. On that day, William Ellis crowned the regatta queen, Shirley Kaiwi, and seven races were held.
Winning crew members were: James Kimokeo, Moses Gardner, Paul Brede, Clinton Makanani, Joseph Kaluahine, Richard Waalani, Helen Hanohano, Dolores Hoopii, Leilani Kanoho, Dolores Viado, Paul Panui, Albert Nakamura, Matthew Kaluahine, John Duarte, Wanda Holt, Colleen Carroll, Eula Holt, Chris Kauahi, Marjorie Kahaunaele, Rose Kaluahine, Rosabelle Paalua, Lihue Alexander, Helen Waiau, Margaret Wong, Harry Kawaihalau, Raymond Napoleon, Eddy Robbins and Hidemi Nakamura.
