He Make'e Wa'a
Explore the History, Traditions and Significance of the Hawaiian Canoe
Wa'a
Va'a
Waka
Wa
Vaka
Va'a
Bangka
Bangka
Vaka
The people of the Pacific Islands owe their very existence to their traditional watercraft—known as Wa‘a, Vaka, Waka, or Va‘a, depending on the region. Referred to simply as “canoes” by Westerners, these vessels were far more than just a means of transportation. They were the lifeline of exploration, survival, and cultural transmission across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
But beyond their practical use, these watercraft shaped the worldview and cultural values of each Pacific community. The building, navigating, and honoring of these vessels were deeply tied to values such as interdependence, respect for nature, ancestral knowledge, and communal responsibility. The canoe was not merely a tool—it was an extension of the people’s identity, a floating manifestation of their origin stories and genealogies. The Wa'a remains a symbol of Pacific resilience, ingenuity, and cultural continuity.
Each island society has a distinct canoe, uniquely shaped by the natural resources available on each island. The design and features of these canoes are also influenced by the surrounding ocean conditions and the prevailing wind patterns that exist in each island archipelago.
Located in the North Pacific and lacking any barrier reefs, the Hawaiian Islands are surrounded by some very rough seas.
The fertile soils found in Hawai'i provided the Hawaiian people with natural resources found nowhere else in the Pacific. These physical conditions, along with the worldview of an Oceanic People, helped create a unique and exceptionally seaworthy watercraft.
About He Make'e Wa'a
He Makeʻe Waʻa means to Cherish the Hawaiian Canoe. The history and traditions of the Hawaiian canoe contain lessons pertinent to living on an island in the modern age. Members of our organization work to perpetuate not only the traditions and practices of the Traditional Hawaiian Canoe but work to keep the those traditions and practices relevant today.
We thank those who have generously shared their knowledge with us and those who have published works that preserve and disseminate the cultural story behind the Hawaiian Canoe.
