About Kamanu Composites
Become the most amazing company in
the entire world... and build good canoes while we're at it.
--Kamanu Composites' mission
At our Kailua facility, left to right: Carlos Kuhn, Johnny Puakea, Kelly Foster, Luke Evslin, Keizo Gates
Our Reason for Being
We are a company formed around outrigger paddling and we are here to push and promote the sport. We are here to build a perfect product and do it in Hawai'i. We are here to push the limits of technology and to create new ideas. We are here to build a company we all want to work for and to have fun. In the end, we are here to make the world a better place and we strive to do whatever is possible to minimize our environmental footprint.
The People
The Story
While in high school, founders Luke Evslin, Kelly Foster, and Keizo Gates wondered what to do with their lives. Hours, days, months, and eventually years were spent talking about combining their efforts and diverse skills for something greater. They understood that if they were going to devote their lives to something, that it better be enjoyable. In the end, the three realized that outrigger paddling was the only constant in their lives, so plans were made around this shared passion.
After graduating from Kaua'i high school in 2003, Luke, Kelly, and Keizo each went their separate ways, pursuing education and experience. Luke ventured to Claremont McKenna College in California, learning from some of the nations best academics in business and economics. Kelly went to learn from one of the worlds best paddlers and canoe builders while pursuing a fire science degree, and later a composite fabrication degree. Keizo attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for a degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. In 2007 after learning a whole lot and receiving some expensive pieces of paper, the trio reunited to form Kamanu Composites.
Initially the plan was to take baby steps by slowly designing the perfect boat before committing to production. However, in August of 2007 opportunity came knocking. An ideal industrial space opened up in Kailua, O'ahu. The decision was made to set up a facility designed to build outrigger canoes.
Enter Kaku Designs
Luke and Kelly both had a successful racing season in 2007 using the Kaku Designs new Kainalu. So, in search of a canoe to build, Kamanu Composites approached John Puakea of Kaku Designs to build his Kainalu and Kaimana. John was in a unique position. Production of his canoes in California had recently ended due to low margins for the production facility. John had also tried production in China, but was left with unmet expectations of quality and fair business terms. He finally settled by building his canoes in his personal workshop at his home on the North Shore of O'ahu; profitable, but impossible to meet demand. John was looking for something new.
A youthful company formed around a passion for paddling and a desire to build canoes in Hawai'i fit the bill. Kamanu Composites was initially going to build John's designs on commission, but it was decided that that was a poor foundation for a long-term relationship. So John Puakea joined the Kamanu Composites team for the long haul.
Today
Adding to the diverse skill-sets of the company's founders and John Puakea's 20 years of canoe building experience, is a multifaceted group of people all working hard to create the best canoe possible for you.
Want to join the team?
We currently are not looking to fill any positions, but are always interested in meeting people passionate about what they do. If you are interested in getting involved don't hesitate to get in touch or email us your resume.
More information is always being added to this website. Contact us if you have any specific questions.