Nā Kālai Waʻa Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Nā Kālai Waʻa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to perpetuating Native Hawaiian cultural values and practices through non-instrument navigation and deep-sea voyaging. Their vision, "He Waʻa He Moku, He Moku He Waʻa," translates to "Our canoe is our island; our island is our canoe," emphasizing the interconnectedness of voyaging and island stewardship.

Primary Area of Focus and Industry Significance

Established in 1993, Nā Kālai Waʻa has been instrumental in preserving and revitalizing traditional Hawaiian voyaging practices. By constructing and maintaining traditional canoes, such as the 54-foot double-hulled voyaging canoe Makaliʻi, the organization offers educational and cultural programs that serve over 2,000 participants annually, ranging from children to elders.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

The organization's primary objectives include:

Cultural Preservation: Reviving and teaching traditional Hawaiian wayfinding and voyaging techniques.

Community Engagement: Fostering a sense of responsibility and connection among community members through shared voyaging experiences.

Environmental Stewardship: Instilling lessons on managing finite resources wisely, as taught through voyaging.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Nā Kālai Waʻa specializes in:

Canoe Construction and Maintenance: Building and caring for traditional Hawaiian canoes.

Educational Programs: Conducting classes, lectures, and presentations on cultural practices, including land and sea preservation.

Voyaging Expeditions: Organizing voyages to various destinations, such as Kahiki, Satawal, and Mokumanamana.

Key Technologies Utilized

The organization employs traditional navigation techniques, relying on natural indicators like stars, ocean swells, and wind patterns, without the use of modern instruments.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Nā Kālai Waʻa primarily serves the Hawaiian community, including individuals of all ages, with a focus on cultural education and environmental stewardship.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In the fiscal year ending December 2023, Nā Kālai Waʻa reported total revenues of $713,193 and expenses of $690,374. The organization has received grants from various foundations and nonprofits, including:

Kamehameha Schools (KS): $160,000 for educational support.

The Center for Cultural Power (CELEF): $50,000 for general operating support.

Schwab Charitable Fund: $50,000 for arts, culture, and humanities.

These funds are utilized to support educational programs, maintain canoes, and engage in community outreach.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Nā Kālai Waʻa focuses on the construction and maintenance of traditional Hawaiian canoes, with notable vessels including:

Mauloa: Completed in 1993, serving as the first canoe built by the organization.

Makaliʻi: A 54-foot double-hulled voyaging canoe launched in 1995, marking a significant milestone in the organization's history.

Stages of Development

The organization is engaged in ongoing maintenance and repair of these canoes to ensure their seaworthiness for future voyages.

Target Conditions

The primary focus is on preserving and practicing traditional Hawaiian voyaging techniques, with an emphasis on environmental stewardship and cultural education.

Relevant Timelines

Makaliʻi celebrated its 30th anniversary on February 4, 2025, highlighting the organization's long-standing commitment to cultural preservation.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Nā Kālai Waʻa employs traditional canoe-building techniques, utilizing indigenous materials and methods passed down through generations.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization utilizes traditional navigation methods, relying on natural indicators such as stars, ocean swells, and wind patterns, without the use of modern instruments.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Chadd Paishon: Executive Director and Senior Captain, overseeing the organization's operations and voyaging programs.

Pualani Lincoln Maielua, M.A.: Program Director for the Mauloa Restoration Project, leading efforts to restore and maintain the Mauloa canoe.

Lehua Ah Sam: Business Manager, responsible for financial management and administrative operations.

Kealiʻi Maielua: Vessel Maintenance Manager and Captain, overseeing the maintenance and sailing of the canoes.

Leimana Spencer: Executive Assistant, providing support to the leadership team and assisting with program coordination.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The nonprofit sector in Hawaiʻi is diverse, with organizations focusing on cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Nā Kālai Waʻa operates in a niche market dedicated to traditional Hawaiian voyaging and canoe-building practices.

Competitor Analysis

While Nā Kālai Waʻa is unique in its specific focus, other organizations in Hawaiʻi contribute to cultural preservation and environmental education, such as the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Nā Māhoe organization.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Nā Kālai Waʻa collaborates with various community partners, including educational institutions and cultural organizations, to enhance its programs and outreach efforts. Notably, the organization has received significant grants from entities like Kamehameha Schools and The Center for Cultural Power, supporting its educational and operational initiatives.

Operational Insights

Nā Kālai Waʻa's commitment to community engagement and cultural education distinguishes it from other organizations. Its focus on traditional voyaging practices and environmental stewardship provides a unique value proposition in the nonprofit sector.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The organization aims to expand its educational programs, enhance community involvement, and ensure the preservation of traditional Hawaiian voyaging practices for future generations. Ongoing maintenance and repair of canoes, along with community outreach, are central to its strategic roadmap.