The wae is a distinctive feature of the Hawaiian canoe, consisting of a U-shaped wooden brace that spans the interior of the hull.

 

Its primary function is to serve as a mounting point for the ʻiako in both single- and double-hulled canoes.  In addition, the Wae reinforces the structural integrity of the canoe by preventing the hull from twisting under stress. 

​

By distributing the torque generated by crashing waves across the entire hull, the wae reduces strain on localized attachment points, such as the gunwales, thereby enhancing the canoe’s durability and performance in rough waters.