A good friend of ours on Kauai and Beat of Hawaii, pictured here with their beloved canoe, is mourning its loss. Chris Kauwe said in an interview that “every canoe has a ‘mookuauhau,’ and has a history. For me personally, it’s my spiritual connection to my past, my ancestors.”
This canoe is very hard to miss. Pictured above, it’s bright red and yellow, measures in at about 17-feet, and is a veritable fixture at Poipu Beach Kauai. Have you ever seen it there?
The boat went missing on April 1, to which Chris thought at first it was just a joke for April Fool’s. But nearly two weeks later, it’s definitely not funny. This boat isn’t easy to hide, and we wonder if any of you might see it and let us know.
As is apparent in the photo, Chris uses the boat for teaching, among other things. He is a renowed Kauai surf and canoe instructor as well as a beekeeper. We can attest to his expertise as a canoe instructor, as your editors have both taken lessons from him.
The canoe is also used for contests, and for the sacred spreading of ashes in the ocean. Chris was also in New York with us, too, when, in 2012, he competed with others in the Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge that coincided with the airline’s nonstop service to New York.
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Julie says
Oh No! A Poipu landmark! The seals will miss sleeping by it- hope it is found soon and for shame on the culprit!
Roberta R. says
I’m so sorry to hear about the disappearance of Chris’ very special canoe. My prayers go out that whomever took it will have a change of heart and return it. Growing up, we had a little boat that we kept tied up in the water of Maunalua Bay just beyond our back yard. We were so sad to wake up one morning and find it missing. If only everyone would understand about cause and effect – that what you put out will come back as your own fortune or, in this case, misfortune!
DebraM says
Aloha Rob and Jeff Great idea to put this story online. I feel sad that people are doing evil acts against those who are good and righteous people. My prayers will include the safe return of his beloved canoe. Let’s all keep our eyes and ears open to get this canoe back to its rightful owner. Mahalo.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Debra.
Thanks. Good to hear from you!
Aloha.
Cindym says
Prayers for Chris’ beloved canoe to be returned intact and soon! 🙏
Carolyn G says
We have seen this canoe (and Chris!) on our many trips and time spent at Poipu, how terrible to hear this and hope it’s returned soon! Although we’ve never met Chris I’ve seen and heard first hand what a lovely person he is, the very embodiment of kindness, knowledge, and aloha.
BOH, please pass on our best wishes and hopes that whoever has the canoe will do the right thing soon!
Uncle c says
Grand theft canoe gets bad luck for life … hope you get her back Kapuna Chris, no joke !
Marietta A says
That’s awful news! I pray your friend gets his canoe back and justice is served on the people that stole it!
Jessica says
I can’t believe someone would steal his canoe. I hope he gets it back and there isn’t any damage done. Shane to those who take what doesn’t belong to them.
Jessica says
*Shame not Shane
Shame on me for not checking my spelling.
Jessica says
I can’t stop thinking about this story. Did he ever find his canoe?