Canoe Names and Meaning

Koa Canoes

Kalanakila
Victorious. renamed in 1965 after James Kalanakila Trask (originally Hilo Girl)

Lanakila Mau Oʻ Ka Lōkahi   
The unity of Kailua’s two koa canoes.

Fiberglass Canoes

Kekauilani Kalama – Bradley Lightning
Named after Auntie Lani Kalama, spiritual leader of Kailua Canoe Club in the past (Kamoa Kalama’s mom).

Alika – Mirage
Alexander Carter, father of Dayton Carter who is a supporter of Kailua Canoe Club.

Kaʻehukai – Mirage
The red spray off a wave produced by the wind and the setting sun.

Hinahinakukahakai – Mirage
Strength of the ocean.

Lauhoe – Mirage
To paddle with great strength & purpose (original fireman’s)

Makaʻala ʻElua – Mirage
To be alert, vigilant, watchful, wide awake the 2nd.

Hoʻoulu – Mirage
To grow, sprout, propagate, to cause to increase as the surf.

Kīkaha – Bradley
The canoe using the power of the ocean.

Palahiʻa – Bradley
To glide.

Haʻaheo – Force Five
Pride, Proud

Lopaka – Class Racer
Bob Cates, prominent figure of Kailua Canoe Club in the past, head coach.

Uhane O Kailua – Class Racer
Spirit of Kailua.

Kawailoa – Class Racer
The big water, named after the area of Kailua Canoe Club’s site.

Moku Ka Pawa – Class Racer
First light of dawn over Molokai.

Manu Kai – Class Racer
Seabird, always returning to land.

Poʻokela – Malia
Superior, Best, Champion

Mālama i lani – Malia
George K. Malama in heaven, prominent figure of Kailua Canoe Club in the past.

Mālama ʻElua – Malia
George K. Malama the 2nd.

Koʻo Keoki – Malia
George Hayman, prominent figure of Kailua Canoe Club in the beginning, repaired koa canoes.

Ami – Malia
Wiggle through the water.

These definitions are correct to the best of knowledge. Any discrepancies were unintentional.