OUTRIGGER CANOES IN HAWAII
TOP : STEVE HEAP / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM ; RIGHT : THEODORE TRIMMER / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
OUTRIGGER CANOES IN HAWAII
According to ancient Hawaiian beliefs , nature is sacred . From plants and animals to humans and rocks , every living thing carries energy and must be treated with respect . Today , modern Hawaiians uphold the legacy of their ancestors through the continued practice of ancient customs and traditions . One such example is the use of the outrigger canoe , a perfect amalgam of Hawaiian peoples ’ appreciation of nature , culture and tradition .
Designed by Polynesian settlers in 200 A . D ., the first outrigger canoes were used to explore the Hawaiian Islands and beyond . Traditionally , outrigger canoes are crafted using the trunk of a giant Koa tree , their hull using a single piece of wood to better withstand the ferocity of the open ocean . Visitors to Hawaii will recognize outrigger canoes for their simple appearance , their most recognizable feature being an outrigger float or “ ama ,” an armlike attachment that allows for greater stability .
Top : A red and yellow Hawaiian outrigger canoe ; bottom : A group of girls paddle into the sunset .
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