On April 20, 2000 Donna "Kahiwa" Kahakui began a solo 113-mile trek around O'ahu on a one-person OC-1 canoe. No athlete, man or woman, in modern times had ever attempted such a journey in a one-person canoe. This paddle was momentous, as Donna replicated a trek that our Hawaiian ancestors had made. This was Donna's third long distance paddle for marine life. Each journey has raised awareness and money to further the efforts of Kai Makana. Donna completed the journey on Easter Day at Waikiki Beach. Festivities, fellowship, and education followed.
At three points along O'ahu's coast, supporters participated in educational beach projects to celebrate the paddle and its mission. Donna stopped at these points on her way around the island.
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Click to See Photos from Adventure Aloha 2000
1. Poka'i Bay Project: (April 21) The Waianae Community and Waianae Hawaiian Civic Club were partners with Kai Makana in the planting of more than 50 native plants at Kaneillio Point. A reef rescue project and shoreline cleanup for the area were also conducted. Hawaiian studies students led training for the planting and educated participants about the culture of the area, legends of the plants, and caring for native plants. Other educational activities included demonstrations on native fishing practices and net-making (concerns about drift nets), the art of limu harvesting and preservation, poi pounding, and lauhala weaving. |
2. Kahana Bay Project: From Mauka to Makai: (April 21-22) We helped revitalize the Kahana Bay ahupua'a (land division) through the Wai'au A'wai Project by partnering with the Ahupua'a Action Alliance. The goal was to restore the natural water flow from mauka (mountain) to makai (sea) and discuss the ecological balance of the area. Participants cleared invasive alien weeds to make room for taro planting and restored a traditional Hawaiian fish pond. A luau celebrating the connection of the stream, the wetlands, the sea, and the people was held on the last night of the project. |
3. Maunalua Bay Project: (April 22) We learned more about the effect of marine debris on our environment and participated in the restoration of a native habitat. Kai Makana partners for this project were Chaminade University and Hui Nalu Canoe Club. |
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Kai Makana is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, established in 1997, to provide volunteer, in-kind, and financial support for marine wildlife conservation and education. |