In the expansive atrium of Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club at Kalapaki Beach, the Princess Koa Canoe stands as a striking tribute to Hawaiian heritage and craftsmanship. This historic outrigger canoe, carved from a single koa log, offers visitors a direct connection to the island’s royal past and its enduring cultural traditions.
The “formidable” 750-pound canoe was crafted between 1876 and 1886 for Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, a member of one of Hawaii’s ruling families and a prominent figure in Hawaii history. The canoe was hewn from a massive koa tree felled in Kona, Hawaii, reflecting the significance of koa wood in traditional Hawaiian canoe building. Koa, known for its strength and beauty, was the preferred material for constructing canoes, which were central to Hawaiian transportation, fishing, and warfare.
Over the decades, the Princess canoe changed hands and purposes. In 1956, it was acquired by the Kauai Canoe and Racing Association (KCARA) from the Outrigger Canoe Club of Honolulu. Recognizing its deteriorated state, master canoe builder Tetsuo Sato undertook its restoration, reviving it as a training vessel. However, the canoe suffered significant damage during Hurricane Iwa in 1982. Subsequently, it was restored once more by master craftsman Wright Bowman Jr.
Today, the Princess Koa Canoe resides permanently in the lobby of the Kauai Marriott, surrounded by soaring columns and polished stone. More than just a decorative centerpiece, it stands as a symbol of resilience, history, and cultural pride. Guests walking through the lobby are invited to pause, admire its craftsmanship, and reflect on the cultural and seafaring traditions that helped shape Hawaii’s identity.
This canoe, once steered by royalty and restored by generations of dedicated craftspeople, continues its journey – anchored in place, but carrying the spirit of a voyaging people.
