Outrigger canoes are abundant on Hawaiian shorelines. These historically-based boats originate from several Polynesian designs that have been refined over hundreds of years while still keeping their basic look and feel intact.
Hawaiian outriggers, called “wa’a,” were a major part of life in historic Hawaii. They provided food, transportation, education, and a way of life linked with a strong spiritual component.
The outriggers pictured here are team racing canoes used in frequent competitions and moved from race to race as needed by their teams.
