He Wa'a he Moku, he Moku he Wa'a

Posted on May 30, 2012

Words cannot describe what just happened. We came into the race as friends and co-workers, and we walked away as brothers. Kamanu came alive in the channel and she gave us the honor of a victory. We didn't expect it and we don't take it for granted. She is why we do this. He wa'a he moku, he moku he wa'a. The canoe is an island, the island is a canoe. Kamanu is us, and we are Kamanu. She has given us life as much as we have given her life. She showed us what is possible. For those of us who helped build her or race her, the 2012 Pa'a 'Eono Hoe will be with us forever.