The Alaka’i Nalu desk at the Sea Shell Pool
The Alakaʻi Nalu (leader of the waves) program hearkens back to the Hawaiʻi of the ’30s and ’40s, when beach boys were respected, fun-loving stewards of the ocean. Eighteen years ago, when Hualalai was opening, Alakaʻi Naluwas established right next to the Canoe Club and adjacent to the Canoe Hālau. When Hualalai was being developed the developer dedicated the Canoe Hālau to the Polynesian Voyaging Society. It was a place for them to keep their canoes as well as teach classes. In fact the stone star compass at the Canoe Hālau is used to study navigation in the Pacific. For ten years our “stewards of the ocean” hosted regattas, taught water sports and led excursions from that location. Then in 2006 after Michael Dell and Rock Point purchased Kona Village Alaka’i Nalu was moved during the winter months to the calmer shores of Kona Village. Many of us took our carts to the parking lot by the Donkey Corral and trotted over to the Kona Village Beach to utilize the equipment and have a blast. The 31-foot rib craft was purchased then and it was always located at Kona Village until 2011.
Brush was cleared so the staff could have a good view of the bay.
Rib Craft underway.
Unfortunately, after the tsunami of 2011 the use of the Kona Village site became questionable and once the difficulties began in restoring the KV resort Alaka’i Nalu returned to its location by the canoe club.
Alaka’i Nalu Headquareters by the Canoe Club
About 10 employees work at the Alaka’i Nalu. They handle the following oceangoing equipment:
1 31-foot Rib Craft
3 6-person canoes.
2 4-person canoes
2 2-person (double) canoes.
4 1-person (single) canoes.
12 Paddle Boards
Several Snorkel Scooters
Some of our “Stewards if the Ocean”
The goal of the resort is to have this service available to all, members, hotel guests and renters alike. There are limited free programs available to members. There is a fairly strict system to reserve a spot on one of the free excursions in order to have it available to as many people over time as possible. But remember if you have guests or if you just want to take off on a canoe or watch whales you can always sign up for a paid activity. Contact: the Residential Concierge at (808) 325-8450.
Alaka’i Nalu Bus
There have been some concerns about the difficulty in getting to the rib-craft during the winter months and when the surf is up. The advisory board and management are looking at how to make it easier and safer to get to the rib-craft without violating the laws governing the coastal areas.
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