Nā Kama Kai

Join the Nā Kama Kai ?Ohana! ?? We’re always looking for passionate volunteers to help empower keiki through ocean safety, stewardship, and culture. Your time and aloha can make a lasting impact! Our next clinic is on April 13 at Pōka?ī Bay, and we need volunteers to help guide and support keiki as they build confidence in the ocean. If you can’t make this one, check out future clinics you can kōkua with at nakamakai.org/clinics, or stay tuned for more ways to get involved. Help build a stronger future for our keiki and kai! ?? Email us at [email protected]. #nakamakai #nkkoceanclinics #keikialohakaialoha #oceanstewards #volunteer

Hau?oli Lā Hānau, Queen Ka?ahumanu! Today, we celebrate the birth of this powerful leader, born on March 17, 1768, in Hāna, Maui. As the favorite wife of Kamehameha I, Queen Ka?ahumanu’s leadership helped guide Hawai?i through a transformative time. She abolished the kapu system, advocated for women’s rights, and embraced new ideas that shaped Hawai?i’s future. She was the longest-reigning monarch of Hawai?i, and her legacy will always be remembered ?? #nakamakai #queenkaahumanu #kaahumanu #kuhinanui #manawahine #womenshistorymonth

Hau?oli Lā Hānau e Hōkūle?a! ?? Today marks a historic milestone - 50 years since Hōkūle?a first set sail, reigniting the art of wayfinding and sparking a cultural renaissance for Native Hawaiians. Since her launch from Hakipu?u-Kualoa on March 8, 1975, she has been a symbol of resilience, knowledge, and connection to our ancestors. She has carried generations of navigators, sparked global awareness of sustainability, and instilled pride in Indigenous peoples across the Pacific. Now, five decades later, she returns to Kualoa to celebrate with the community at the 16th Annual Kualoa Hakipu?u Canoe Festival at Kualoa Regional Park. Nā Kama Kai is honored to be in attendance, joining other wa?a in sailing demonstrations throughout the day as we honor Hōkūle?a’s legacy and the future of voyaging. ?? Photo: Mike Ito #nakamakai #keikialohakaialoha #hokulea #starofgladness #hauolilahanau #hokulea50

At a time when traditional voyaging canoes felt like a thing of the past, a movement began to revive the wayfinding traditions of our kūpuna. Hōkūle?a, our Star of Gladness, was built to reclaim the legacy of exploration, courage, and ingenuity that brought the first Polynesians to Hawai?i. On March 8, 1975, Hōkūle?a, a deep-sea voyaging canoe crafted in the tradition of ancient Hawaiian wa?a kaulua (double-hulled canoes), was launched from Hakipu?u-Kualoa in Kāne?ohe Bay, O?ahu. 50 years later, Hōkūle?a continues to sail as a symbol of resilience, cultural revival, and connection. As we prepare for Hōkūle?a’s 50th lā hānau (birthday), there are exciting opportunities to get involved! Stay updated with all the celebration activities at https://hokulea.com/ #dtl?#dtlhawaii?#hokulea?#starofgladness #polynesianvoyaging

This week, we celebrate 30 years of Makali?i, the beloved wa?a kaulua of Nā Kālai Wa?a. Born from the dream of Uncle Clay Bertelmann, Makali?i came to life in just nine months, built with aloha in a Parker Ranch Quonset hut in Waiemi wahi. On February 4, 1995, she was welcomed into the world at Kawaihae, her home. One month later, she boldly set sail on her maiden voyage to Tahiti, carrying the spirit of our kūpuna, the knowledge of our wayfinders, and the strength of our lāhui. For nearly three decades, Makali?i has been a guiding star for generations, connecting us to our ocean, our ancestors, and our future. May Makali?i continue to inspire and navigate many more voyages to come. ?? #waa #waaohana #makalii #wayfinding #hawaiianvoyaging

Yesterday was the first day of Ho‘ākea Leeward: Mauka to Makai – Navigating our Future at Pōka?ī Bay Beach Park! The keiki kaiapuni o Wai‘anae stepped into the world of voyaging, stewardship, and the navigator’s mindset ?? Throughout the day, keiki rotated through hands-on learning stations where they learned about Hōkūle‘a and the Moananuiākea Voyage, explored the parts of the wa‘a, practiced knot-tying, and gained valuable ocean safety knowledge. They also explored the connection between land and ocean through activities with mālama ?āina organizations, learning how to care for and protect these spaces. With two more days to go, we’re looking forward to watching our students, schools, and the larger community build on their newfound knowledge and grow in their role as stewards ?? #nakamakai #keikialohakaialoha #hoakea #maukatomakai

Today, we honor the birthday of King William Charles Lunalilo (Jan. 31, 1835 – 1874), Hawai?i’s first elected monarch, fondly remembered as “The People’s King.” ??? Born in Pohukaina, now part of the ?Iolani Palace grounds, Lunalilo was known for his deep connection to the people. His reign, though brief, was marked by his dedication to Hawaiian self-governance and the well-being of his lāhui. As we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded of the importance of leadership rooted in aloha and service—values we strive to instill in the next generation of ocean stewards. Photo from Ka Kai Ola #nakamakai #kinglunalilo #hawaiianhistory

We had the opportunity to attend the HAHPERD Conference, connecting with educators and advocates who share our commitment to keiki safety and ocean education. ???? Mahalo to George Centeio, Educational Specialist for Physical Education at the Hawai?i DOE, for championing ocean safety in schools. Through his efforts, 14,000 Nā Kama Kai ocean safety and stewardship education books have been distributed statewide, along with a memo encouraging every principal to prioritize ocean safety education. As an island community, ensuring keiki have the knowledge and confidence to navigate the ocean safely is essential. By integrating ocean safety into school curriculums, we’re empowering the next generation with the skills they need to mālama kai and stay safe in and around the water. Booklets are also available for downloading on our website: https://lnkd.in/gsWA2ASV #nakamakai #keikialohakaialoha #oceanstewardship #communityleadership

Join us for our Ocean Clinic in Waikīkī on February 9th! ?? This clinic is part of Nā Kama Kai's PDE3 Program, designed for to support Hawai?i DOE teachers and keiki statewide. The kumu clinic will be at 9 AM, all following sessions will be our normal ocean clinic where keiki will be able to experience and learn about their kuleana to water safety and environmental awareness. ?? Date: Sunday, February 9 Kumu Clinics: 9 AM Keiki Clinics: 9:30 AM, 10 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:00 AM ?? Location: Waikīkī, Queen's Beach Registration is now OPEN at nakamakai.org/clinics #nakamakai #nkkoceanclinics #waikiki #keikialohakaialoha

Big ho?omaika?i to the graduates and newly promoted firefighters of the Kaua?i Fire Department! ??? Among those honored was Eric Pereza, an Ocean Safety Officer III, who shared how community outreach opportunities, like serving as an instructor with Nā Kama Kai, shaped his journey. Eric reflected on how our programs instilled in him the values of leadership, responsibility, and stewardship—guiding principles that have influenced both his career and life. Seeing these lessons come full circle through individuals like Eric reminds us of the lasting impact we have when we mālama one another and our ?āina. Mahalo nui, Eric, for sharing your story, and a heartfelt mahalo to the Kaua?i Fire Department for your dedication to keeping our communities safe. ?? First Photo: Dennis Fujimoto at The Garden Island Second and Third Photo: @mikeitophoto #nakamakai #keikialohakaialoha #oceanstewardship #communityleadership