Employees at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel have spent the last four months building a four-man single-hull Hawaiian sailing canoe. During specified shift hours, as well as on a voluntary basis, the 280 employees have taken part in creating the hotel’s latest Hawaiian cultural project.

The canoe-building project is part of the hotel’s Pookela Program, an enrichment program where employees learn aspects of the Hawaiian culture in organized classes, both on and off-property. Under the supervision of Canoe Builder, Charlie Noland, the Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s employees – from housekeepers, to maintenance, to front desk clerks – have assisted with locating and cutting down an Albesia tree over 100 feet tall from the forests of West Maui. Using the wood from this tree, they have learned and participated in the many tasks involved in making the canoe sea-worthy, including carving, sanding, and varnishing.

“This year’s Makahiki project represents unity, responsibility, leadership and a connection to the past,” said White. “We chose the canoe, not only because of employee interest, but because it symbolizes the hotel’s goal to share the culture and reach out to people beyond our shores.”

The canoe-building project also has a connection to a West Maui family. A young boy wanted his father to build a canoe from a tree near their home in the valley. Unfortunately, the young boy died 6 years ago. Fate would bring the canoe builder, the hotel, and its 280 employees to make this Maui boy’s dream come true. The tree used for the canoe was donated by this Maui family, who believe the hotel’s project has finally fulfilled their son’s dream. All they asked in return was that the canoe be named after their deceased son.