The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife announced on Mar. 6 that applications are now being accepted for individuals and organizations seeking to acquire a koa canoe log from the Kapāpala Koa Canoe Management Area for use in traditional Hawaiian canoe construction.
This initiative is significant as it supports the continuation of kālaiwaʻa, the cultural practice of building waʻa, or traditional Hawaiian canoes, which have played a central role in Polynesian transportation, fishing, warfare, and sport. The effort also reflects ongoing state priorities such as supporting community recovery and honoring cultural traditions, according to the official website of the Hawaii State Executive – Governor official website.
Applicants must submit their forms by midnight on May 30, 2026. The selection process will consider factors like community and cultural impact as well as readiness. Selected applicants will be notified in August. A volunteer working group representing kūpuna (elders), local residents, lineal descendants, canoe clubs, practitioners, builders, foresters, and conservationists developed protocols to ensure integrity and alignment with tradition during distribution.
The Kapāpala Koa Canoe Management Area was established over two decades ago specifically to cultivate koa trees suitable for canoe making due to scarcity of quality wood. “Decades in the making, we are honored to move this vision into action,” said DLNR Acting Chair Ryan Kanakaʻole. “This is a monumental moment because it restores the opportunity for future generations to continue the practice of kālaiwaʻa and reaffirms Kaʻū as a place where ʻike kūpuna is sustained and passed forward. The Kapāpala Koa Canoe Management Area reflects years of dedication by cultural practitioners, community members, and foresters working together to restore balance between forest stewardship and traditional practices.”
Kapāpala working group member Nohea Kaʻawa said: “Within the sacred koa trees of our Kapāpala Forest lives the breath of our kūpuna and the songs of our endemic Hawaiian birds… When we walk the path of our ancestors with respect and proper protocol… we serve as the bridge that carries ancestral wisdom into the future for those yet to come.” Hovey Lambert added: “This project includes the collaboration of the State of Hawai‘i and local cultural practitioners, canoe clubs and civic organizations to help bring back one of our most sacred traditions.” Forestry Program Manager Jennifer Grimm said: “The Kapāpala Koa Canoe Management Area provides an opportunity to combine traditional Hawaiian practices and the best of sustainable forest management… It’s a hopeful example of what may be possible for Hawaiʻi’s forest in the future.”
The announcement aligns with broader state efforts addressing social recovery after wildfires according to the official website, expanding healthcare access according to the official website, supporting wildfire-impacted areas like Lahaina according to the official website, influencing policy through tax reform according to the official website, advancing renewable energy according to the official website, and emphasizing public policy on housing and climate change according to the official website.