Spotlight: Kaiopua/Kawaihae/Waikoloa Canoe Club

Kaiopua/Kawaihae/Waikoloa Canoe Club are paddlers from the Big Island of Hawaii. They have paddled many races together and enjoy sharing their culture with everyone they meet. Most of them have been in or on the water since birth.

Their passion is paddling, they train hard, they play hard, they may not always place, but they sure enjoy the ride together. They respect the ocean, the canoe, and each other. They are always grateful to see the sunrise, knowing that they have another day to share with family, friends, and others who love our Hawaiian Culture.

They paddle for different clubs. JK (John), Ricky, Aunty Sammy, Lisa, and Linda all paddle for Kawaihae Canoe Club. Cole paddles for Kaiopua Canoe Club. They have other paddlers from various clubs that are part of our group who are not traveling with them to this race. Aunty Sammy is their Kupuna, Matriarch, and beloved steersman. JK and Cole are the team coaches.

Mokunui Mixed Open Crew:
Ricky Salvador, Cole Naehu, Linda Rodriguez, JK Spielman, Lisa Korenaga, Sammy Teixeira