OUR HISTORY

Birthplace of King Kamehameha III
King Kamehameha III was born a few hundred feet south of  Keauhou Bay in 1814 and from 1825 to 1854 became Hawaii’s longest reigning monarch. 

During the days of the Hawaiian Kingdom, much of the area around Keauhou Bay was used as a site for ali’i sport and recreation, from the mile-long sled course (“hōlualoa”) leading down to Heʻeia Bay, and the big water surf break fronting the bay. Our paddlers are able to see the hōlualoa and hear stories of the Hawaiian kingdom as they paddle. 

Keauhou Bay is also home to swimming, fishing, and other sport and recreational activities.  

Maihi Bay, just south of Keauhou Bay is where the Hawaiians, under the direction of King Kamehameha II,  fought the Battle of Kuamo’o in 1820.  Over 300 Hawaiians killed in the battle are buried in the Lekeleke Burial Grounds. 

The Battle of Kuamo’o ended  formal recognition of the kapu system of laws, but they still form the basis for many Hawaiian cultural practices.

Name Changes
The club was founded as Honokōhau Canoe Club. The name was changed in July of 1981, to Kauikeaouli Canoe Club, to honor the birthname of Kamehameha III. The final name change, to Keauhou Canoe Club, became effective May 31, 1988.. 

Founders

The founding Officers and Directors were  Rex (Stan) Dzura, President; Jack Urbach, Vice President; Edward Azura,  Treasurer; Pilipo Springer, Secretary; Mary Jane Kahanamoku, Race Coordinator; and Directors Frank "Skipper" Kent, Herb Kane, Kelly Greenwell, Jim Higgins, Dr. Edgar Hauntz, Louis K. Kahanamoku, and Sam A. Kahanamoku.

Purpose

Right from the start, Keauhou Canoe Club was strongly committed to:

Promoting and instructing club members in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture through canoing and other related activities.

Encouraging participation in civic and community activities.

Promoting competitive inter-club, inter-island, and international Hawaiian outrigger racing.

Fostering and encouraging interest in the sport and scince of canoe racing and canoing throughout the entire State of Hawaii.

In addition, Keauhou has had a strong commitment to engage with and provide activities for the youth of Kona, to develop character and help develop good citizens.

From the original articles of incorporation:

The club's mission statement has evolved, and now more directly says that the club's mission is to “educate our youth, our membership, and the community at large about Hawaiian culture, values, and traditions.” 

Integrating with Hawaiian Culture

Keauhou has a Hawai division devoted to learning, educating, and integrating Hawaiian culture into Keauhou activities.  The club works to understand the cultural significance of Hawaiian cultural practices, such as lei, hula, chants, and oli (chants without dance), and works with our community to connect members with Hawaiian cultural practitioners, and to support Hawaiian culture.