Kilo a pa'a a kū nō ka waʻa poaʻa ka pola i kū no ka holo
Observe until retained
until the waʻa is revealed
the foundation is firm
it is time to sail
Nā Waʻa Mauō Marine Stewardship Program
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to perpetuate the practices of our Kūpuna (ancestors) by using waʻa (canoes) and Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) language to care for our oceans and next generation of marine stewards.
Our vision is fleets of waʻa working together to strengthen the health and wellness of our oceans, our communities, and the Pae ʻĀina o Hawaiʻi Nei (Hawaiian Archipelago)
Nā Waʻa Mauō
Nā Waʻa Mauō was created to use a more holistic and less invasive way to care for and study our marine environment. Our stewardship methods are scientifically rigorous and culturally rooted. Participant learn the practice of Kilo (environmental observations), how to gather scientific data/samples from a waʻa, and the art of storytelling.
Our Experiences
NWNM hosts the Honuaiākea Voyaging Program that aims to strengthen the next generation of marine stewards through waʻa. Our program uses waʻa to strengthen the health and wellness of our students, teach them how to weave knowledge systems to care for our oceans, and immerse in cultural exchanges with other waʻa communities.
Nā waiwai
Kilo ʻĀina
Mālama ʻĀina
Mālama ʻĀina
Kilo ʻĀina (observe ʻāina)- when we observe and spend time in the places we steward we develop an intimate relationship with our environment that strengthens our stewardship
Mālama ʻĀina
Mālama ʻĀina
Mālama ʻĀina
Mālama ʻĀina (to care for ʻāina) - The intimate relationship to place developed from our stewardship shapes how we care for our environment
ʻĀina Momona
ʻĀina Momona
ʻĀina Momona
ʻāina momona (exchange with ʻāina)- the reciprocity created between kiaʻi (steward) and ʻāina is reflected in the health and wellness of the land and people
ʻĀina Mauō
ʻĀina Momona
ʻĀina Momona
ʻāina mauō (sustain ʻāina) - through stewardship and reciprocity we attain environmental and cultural sustainability
he waʻa kākou
We are Waʻa
Your support enables us to perpetuate our ancestral practices and uplift the next generation of Kiaʻi Kai (marine stewards).
