Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Kawika Kekuawela grew up paddling at Kailana Canoe Club under the guidance of Aunty Maile Mauhili, who feels most at home when she’s at the ocean.
The Kailana regatta on Saturday kicks off the Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association’s run of events at Hilo Bay.
Kekuawela, 39, first started paddling for Kailana in 1991. He last paddled for the club in 2008 in the Novice A division.
He’s back as the club’s girls coach, and one of his paddlers is his daughter Nahiena Kekuawela, 12, who’s in the girls 12 crew, which has one of the fastest times in the state.