Waʻa: The Outrigger Canoe

A Timeless Link to the Hawaiian Culture and Native Traditions

By Traci Bush

“The canoe was perceived as lying at the heart of the old culture—it was the central object at the heart of the web of the culture. Almost everything in the culture could be related to the canoe in some way.” -Herb Kane

The outrigger canoe was an essential part of everyday life for the Hawaiian people. It was their primary mode of transportation, a means of obtaining sustenance, and a vessel of enjoyment. Unlike the more ornate outrigger canoes found elsewhere in Polynesia, the Hawaiian canoe was streamlined and minimally decorated, engineered specifically to harness the power of open-ocean swells and travel quickly and efficiently between islands.

To Hawaiians, the canoe was deeply sacred. It was celebrated through songs, chants, and prayers; temples were built in its honor; and strict religious laws—believed to be handed down from the gods—governed its creation and use. Violating these sacred laws could result in severe punishment. A successful canoe voyage, a swift channel crossing, or an impressive wave caught while surfing the canoe was seen as a sign of divine favor, and the steersman who achieved such feats was honored as being graced by the gods.

What distinguished the Hawaiian outrigger canoe from its Pacific cousins was its design—sleek and efficient, built to endure and excel in some of the most treacherous waters in the world. Mastering the art of riding ocean swells was vital for crossing Hawaiian channels, as it allowed for maximum speed and efficiency. Only the most skilled and experienced steersmen could fully harness the energy of the sea.

Beyond long-distance voyages, Hawaiians also used their canoes for sport, riding waves closer to shore in a practice that evolved into the art of canoe surfing. This tradition held particular importance for Hawaiian royalty. By the early to mid-1900s, with the rise of the modern-day “beach boy,” outrigger canoe surfing took on a new role: a thrilling attraction for tourists. For visitors, the experience of racing down waves without even entering the water was a marvel. Thanks to the beach boys of Waikīkī, this ancient Hawaiian sport was reintroduced to the modern world—offering both a glimpse into the past and a uniquely exhilarating ride. Today, Waikīkī Beach Services is one of only a handful of places where people can experience this traditional Hawaiian water sport firsthand. The company employs some of the best steersmen on Waikīkī Beach, continuing the legacy of skill, respect, and connection to the ocean that has defined the outrigger canoe for centuries.