Of all the ocean users,the largest group of people to use the ocean in Kailua are the men, women and children who paddle canoes.

There are a number of canoe clubs that have been recognized over the years as dominant in the sport of regatta and long distance paddling. This is significant because the ancient heiau of Ulupo, situated on what once was Kawainui fish pond, now a marsh, was said to be built for the construction and blessing of canoes. So the tradition of the wa’a in Kailua is strong.

Today there are at least four clubs that paddle daily in the summer season. While they compete against each other, they are connected through many Kailua families. Because members of MIOKM are long time paddlers, an initiative was started to bring the like minded clubs together to malama aina which includes Kai.

Along with the kalo farmers in the lo’i of Maunawili, they are part of the fabric that take kuleana of Kailua and make sure the ocean is clean and safe for their keiki to swim and for the fish to thrive.