Throughout Polynesia, there is perhaps no tradition more important than ka wa’a” (the canoe). The canoe unites the people of the Pacific and reminds us where we came from. To celebrate that tradition, master carvers from around Polynesia gather each year in
“Historic Lahaina Town” to showcase their canoe building skills.
Welcome to the Maui International Festival of Canoes.

What began in 1998 as a way to rekindle cultural ties among the people of Polynesia has blossomed into Maui’s signature cultural event. During the last two weeks of May, master canoe carvers from Hawai’i, Tahiti, New Zeland, the Marshall Islands, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Japan descend upon the Hawaiian island of Maui. Using both traditional and modern tools, these skilled carvers transform enormous logs into seaworthy canoes that are also beautiful works of art. The theme of this year’s festival is: “Ho’oilina” which in the Hawaiian langunage means “legacy.” As evidenced by the success of films such as "Whale Rider," this is a special time for indigenous peoples as we reach back to our roots and strive to pass on our culture to the next generation.

My name is Maui Tauotaha and I am part of the next generation.
The “Tauotaha” name is recognized throughout Polynesia as a clan of master canoe builders. My grandfather, Puaniho Tauotaha, was one of the most well respected master canoe builders in French Polynesia. Over the years, and through his involvement with the Hawaiian voyaging canoe Hokule'a, Puaniho also became one of the most well respected masters in the carving world. Although Puaniho died in 1992, his son, my father, Freddie Tauotaha continues the tradition by participating annually in the Maui festival. Although I was born and raised in Hawai’i, I did not grow up learning how to build canoes. This documentary is my opportunity to learn the craft my family is known for and to help keep a proud tradition alive.

-Maui Tauotaha, Director-