SHARING TIMELESS HAWAIIAN TRADITION
The heart of the voyager
Aloha O Ka Wa’a collection
Remembering rich history
Embracing Timeless stories
Remind the ocean who you are
Wayfinding: the rich history of the voyager
Lean in closer…can you hear the brazen call of the conch shell? Can you feel the warm setting sun rest on your shoulder? Can you smell the salted waves hitting the side of the canoe with the rhythm of every stroke?
In such a fast paced world with everything at our fingertips, it is easy to forget to slow down and remember the stories of those who went before us. Stories of exploration, the grit to press through the storm…and the wisdom to change course.
The ancient peoples passed down these timeless stories though oral tradition, dance, and meaningful symbols. Local artist Jeanne Bitz continues this tradition by capturing the spirit of the wayfinders in her piece: I WAI NO’U
A message from the artist:
"When Kimokeo Kapahulehua invited me to paddle in an outrigger canoe in the Summer of 2020, I did not know the impact it would have. I’m not an expert in Hawaiian or Oceanic cultures. I’m simply a person who was seeking, and has now been invited into, an abundance of healing truth and beauty. The puzzle pieces that I had gathered from my own work to repair my challenging life experiences were put together with paddling in a way that was more beautiful than I could imagine. I was able to experience a culture where people work together and meet others with curiosity rather than with judgement and separateness. If you are a paddler, you know this experience.
My hope for humanity is that we, as a group, want to know each other enough to learn a new language of love and peace. To work together. Build together. To ask permission before we take.
In honor of all of my fellow humans who’ve risked big and stepped bravely into life’s messy, beautiful, heartbreaking, heart soaring adventures and come out the other side stronger and ready to fly – these stories are for you." Jeanne Bitz - Maui, Hawaii
I WAI NO’U Gallery Print
A story of epic adventures, adopted families, and overcoming monumental challenges, told through interpretive Polynesian pictograms.
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Hina Gallery Print
Throughout Oceanic cultures, the legend of Hina represents a fluid, powerful, extremely diverse woman who faces challenges. She continually shapes her own path going forward, retreats to heal, and rises up to risk again.
The women depicted in this painting are from diverse ethnic backgrounds and journeys as varied as Hina’s, each facing and overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. If not for the canoe, their paths might never cross. But they come together to be stronger, to learn, to grow, to embark on grand adventures with a shared truth: when we come together, we can be the change we want to see in the world.
Perfect for any space
Breathe new life into your home with these open edition prints. Designed to completely transform any space. This dream-like collection of Hawaiian inspired art blends rich colors with meaningful symbolism, perfect for all indoor living spaces. E Ala E print available soon.
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Explore stunning new products from the Aloha O Ka Wa’a collection.
a premier collection
Inspired by the history of paddlers
Watch this video to learn about the pictogram symbolism and the inspiration behind I Wai No'u, by Jeanne Bitz. The ancient Polynesian and Hawaiian pictograms tell a deeper story behind the traditions of the wa'a (outrigger canoe).
The History and Culture of the Outrigger Canoe
Sitting in my OC1, rocking gently on the ocean’s surface and feeling the slight breeze as it brushes softly against my cheeks always stills my mind and calms my spirit. As I sit there and take in the beauty...
Read more...Giving back to the culture
Each purchase of our Aloha O Ka Wa'a products at Full Circle Ocean Gear helps to perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture and protect our environment. Every purchase helps support the efforts of the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society. Their mission is to promote sustainability, environmental health and respect for Mother Earth and humankind through the preservation, education and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture through protocol, voyaging and the way of life on the canoe.