Keaolaniowaianae
Keaolaniowaianae is a 4-man ʻōpelu waʻa. Birthed in Waiʻanae in 2002, its mission was to continue the tradition of ʻōpelu fishing in our moku. This practice enhances our attention to the conditions of our kai and ʻāina.
Lilette Subedi, Eric Enos, and Philip Naone worked together to begin this project. Keaolaniowaianae was the beginning product of their collaboration towards a more sustainable future for our moku.
Specification
Hull Length: 25' ft
Inside Hull (floor to top gunnel): 20 in
Gunnel: 3 1/2 in
Ama: 150in x 8in x 7in
'Iako: 3in x 3 1/2 in
2000-2002 - Building Keaolaniowaianae
Keaolaniowaianae was made from a single branch of a Koa tree that fell on Hawaiʻi island. The log was gifted to Kaʻala Farms, which was under the leadership of Lilette Subedi at the time. She and Eric Enos were inspired to elevate our ʻāina to kai connection. Philip Naone led the construction of Keaolaniowaianae and in 2002 the waʻa was birthed at Pōkaʻī.
2005-2024 - ʻŌpelu Project at Standstill
The ʻōpelu project took a standstill for nearly 20 years. As our lawaiʻa who knew this practice grew older, practicing and continuing this style of fishing became harder. Hoa ʻĀina o Mākaha took over the care and use of Keaolaniowaianae. As part of their ʻāina, Keaolaniowaianae allowed students to touch, feel, and connect to the waʻa during a visit to the farm.
2024-2030 - Envisioning A Sustainable Future
In 2024, Eric Enos reached out to E Ala Voyaging Academy to see how we can revive the ʻōpelu project in our community. Its primary purpose is to provide a practice that connects our mauka to makai, addresses food sovereignty, incorporates wellness through ʻāina and kai, and instills cultural values.
E Ala Voyaging Academy asked Nā Kalai Waʻa o Laka, Alika Bumatay, to support our efforts in restoring Keaolaniowaianae. As a master kalai waʻa and their expertise working with Koa wood, their support in restoring Keaolaniowaianae was needed to resume this project.
In January 2025, we hope to launch Keaolaniowaianae back into the waters of Waiʻanae. In collaboration with Kaʻala Farms, Hoa ʻĀina o Mākaha, and E Ala Voyaging Academy-- the ʻōpelu project will begin to retake its practice in 2025.
Our goal is to gather data on Waiʻanae fishing activities and present a policy to legislation that will help to protect and manage an ʻōpelu koʻa right outside of Pōkaʻī.
By the year 2030, we hope to have an abundant source of ʻōpelu fish to harvest once a year and provide in our community food pantry.
