Reason for Being

We started Kamanu Composites with the simple goal of doing something fun centered around what we loved. The canoe brought us together. It formed us as individuals and as a company. But today, it's about more than just building canoes and having a good time. What brings us back each day is the idea that we are part of something bigger. By focusing on our craft, localism, and sustainability, we aim to use this business to make our little dent in the universe.

For everything that we produce, we thrive on doing each step. We figure out what we want; then we design it, build it, and do everything in-between until a quality product is in the hands of the user. It's a learning experience, and it's a practice of self-reliance. Striving for perfection within every step of the manufacturing process has become a responsibility and an obsession. We believe a product should not be for consumption but long-term value and use. We make every effort to deliver that.

We believe wholeheartedly in local manufacturing. We don't outsource, re-sell, or source canoes. We build them from start to finish. Materials come in, and canoes go out. We believe it results in better products, reduces our environmental footprint, stimulates our local economy, and provides highly skilled jobs to our community.

We constantly work to build a company that makes the world better. We routinely ask what our value to the community is. We assess how we can reduce the net impact of our supply chain and material choices. And we continually strive to improve the lives of our employees, community, and world at large.

We still have a long way to go, but we are pulling our goals a little closer every day. In the end, it's about satisfied customers, happy workers, and a healthy world.

Who We Are

Kamanu Composites was founded in 2007 by three friends pursuing a lifelong dream. Over the years it has expanded to include twenty composites technicians and a team of the world’s best paddlers.