THE JOURNEY
Ka Lahui Kai welcomes individuals from all walks of life, providing a space for anyone with the desire to pursue their best self. That said, Ka Lahui Kai is not for everyone. We seek and KLK demands those who share our passion, determination, and commitment to excellence.
To all of you, our message is this: Be immensely proud of your Ka Lahui Kai, take pride in your team, and above all, be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Dream BIG, live with passion, and work relentlessly. We are stronger together… navigate the waves of life with courage and determination, in our shared journey, we find our greatest triumphs.
Purpose
At Ka Lahui Kai, what we do and how we do it is more than a mission; it is our purpose. Rooted in the traditions of the past and fueled by an unrelenting drive toward innovation and the future, our journey is shaped by the fortitude of our people and the steadfast vision and enthusiasm of our leadership. With unwavering dedication, we strive for excellence in all things.
Youth Development
Ka Lahui Kai is deeply committed to youth development, shaping individuals of high character and high level / world-class athletes through canoe racing and ocean sports. We view the ocean and ocean sports as extraordinary opportunity, a microcosm reflecting life's dynamics and challenges. Our youth represent our future, and we are dedicated to instilling in them self-confidence, intelligence, and strength, grounded in unwavering core values and a profound sense of teamwork, community, and selflessness. As Duke Kahanamoku said, “The ocean is not just a playground, it is a guide and teacher”.
Next Level Racing Team: Good to GREAT!!!
As a racing team and athletes Ka Lahui Kai is the consummate student of the art and science of paddling. Seeking out the best, training with the best, racing against the best, developing relationships with paddlers and paddling coaches of the highest caliber. Keeping an open mind about new innovations, techniques, and tools. Constantly studying and refining technique, learning “water feel”, measuring and analyzing and learning.
At the highest-level Ka Lahui Kai intentionally cascades knowledge, wisdom, and relationships to the younger generations. This continual quest for improvement combined with open flow knowledge and experience to younger generations has allowed our Jr. Athletes to excel beyond their piers and achieve new heights.
Living this is exemplified by the success of our Open Crews, the success of our Jr. Crews (past and present) (and now our KLK Women’s & Girls teams), the success of the paddle athletes you see here today. Our results speak for themselves and will continue to do so. For those that aspire, work hard and “Earn it”: opportunity will continue. Simply put, KLK is the premier canoe racing team in Hawaii.
Core Values
• Integrity - Incorporating Respect, Courage, Humility, and the principle of "Earned Not Given". It encapsulates doing the right thing, being honest, and holding oneself to high moral standards.
• Community & Teamwork - Merging Kindness, Love, Compassion, and Community. This value emphasizes empathy, caring for others, and the importance of togetherness and collaboration.
• Resilience - Blending Resilience, Toughness, and the essence of "Hard Work". It underscores the ability to overcome adversity, bounce back from challenges, and continue pushing forward despite obstacles.
• Dedication - Combining Dedication, Commitment, and Focus. This value stresses unwavering dedication to a cause, being fully committed, and staying focused on goals.
• Elevation- While not explicitly mentioned, this synthesized value can encourage Courage, and the proactive attitude inherent in Hard Work and Dedication. Signifying the act of raising or lifting up, both oneself and others.