Welcome to Waikiki Beachboys Canoe Club
The Waikiki Beachboys Canoe Club has been a proud part of the Hawaiian community for many years. Our mission is to share the spirit of aloha through the art of outrigger canoe paddling. We welcome new members to join us in preserving and perpetuating this rich Hawaiian tradition.
History and Legacy
The original Waikīkī beachboys were water sports instructors who worked on the beaches fronting the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Hotels from the 1920’s to the late 1950’s. These beachboys taught the wealthy visitors who traveled to Hawai‘i how to surf, catch waves in an outrigger canoe, and enjoy the Hawaiian culture.
Because these tourists usually vacationed in Hawai‘i for long periods of time, the beachboys developed close friendships with their patrons. The beachboys were known for their charm and their love of Hawai‘i, which they instilled in the tourists they befriended. As a result, the beachboys became a symbol of Aloha, and helped to draw tourists to the islands.
As air travel made access to Hawai‘i more affordable, more tourists began visiting the islands, and stayed for shorter periods of time. These changes to the tourism industry affected the relationships the beachboys were able to cultivate with tourists. Today, Waikīkī beachboys still work the beaches with concession stands, surfing lessons and canoe surfing rides. Taking over where the original beachboys left off, this new generation of watermen exposes tourists to the Hawaiian culture and spreads Aloha to all who visit Waikiki.
WBBCC continues to promote the image of the original Waikīkī BeachBoys and the spirit of Aloha through its paddling events and its members. A number of the members still work the beaches of Waikīkī and some are employed as lifeguards and firemen, patrolling the shores of Hawaii, making the waters safe and enjoyable for residents and tourists. Furthermore, its paddlers continue to strive towards excellence in performance and are determined to stop nowhere short of World Champions. The 2006 women won the most prestigious event of the regatta season, the Senior Women’s race at the State Championships. They placed an amazing third in Na Wahine O Ke Kai, the World Championships of long distance canoe racing, and are continuing their way towards the top of that most prestigious event.
Formation of the Waikīkī Beachboys Canoe Club
The Waikīkī BeachBoys Canoe Club (WBBCC) was formed in 1973 by a group of Waikīkī BeachBoys that all had a similar vision but paddled for different clubs. They decided to come together to form a club that would promote the image of the original Waikiki BeachBoys… men who respected the ocean and mastered the skills of surfing and outrigger canoe paddling, while spreading the spirit of Aloha.
Founders and Wa'as
The original founders of WBBCC were: Kimo Makua, Ted Bush, Bob Nagatani and Moku Kamaka. These BeachBoys walked up and down Waikīkī beach, collecting $25 from friends and tourists to help finance a canoe for the club. Each person who donated money was deemed an honorary member of the club, and received a certificate from WBBCC.
The first canoe purchased with this donated money was blessed in 1974 by the Reverend Abraham Akaka and named the Kai Kane. Soon to follow were the Kai O Wahine and the Kai O Keiki in 1975, the Kai O Kapoe in 1976 and the Malolo II in 1978, all fiberglass, malia molds. The WBBCC’s Koa wood canoe was created in 1980 by Ray Bumatay and Alec Apo and named the Kamoho Ali’i. WBBCC also acquired two Hawaiian Racers, the Ana Koa in 1983 and the Kalele O Nalani in 1984. The most recent purchases were the two Bradley canoes, the Kahu Moku Kamaka and the Kai Pi’i, as well as a Mirage canoe named Lehua Kona.
In 1979, WBBCC created and hosted the WBBCC Waikīkī Invitational Regatta, added as an unofficial race during the Hui Wa’a regatta season. This sprint race in and out of the surf in Waikīkī is a popular event for both competitors and spectators. Due to the limited lane space, crews must qualify for an invitation through their performance in prior regattas. WBBCC has hosted this event continuously since 1979, canceling only twice due to high surf conditions.
In 1995, WBBCC again broke new ground hosting the first downwind multi-craft event, Choose Your Weapon. The course from Hawaii Kai to Waikīkī includes competitors on paddleboards, surf skis and one-man canoes. In 1999, 6-man canoes were added to the race, increasing its popularity and making it the only pre-season down-wind race for 6-man canoes. Each year the race draws more than more than 300 participants and is followed by a lively lunch and awards party.
Exploring Waikiki Waters
There’s no better way to experience the beauty and spirit of Waikiki than from the seat of an outrigger canoe. With the golden sun dipping below the horizon and the palm trees swaying in the breeze, every paddle stroke connects you to the ocean, the land, and the traditions of the original Waikiki Beachboys. Join us as we explore these iconic waters and carry on a legacy of aloha, adventure, and respect for the sea.