Kekai Apana
Kekai Apana has been an avid paddler with HCC and graduated from Seabury Hall. He is currently attending Stanford University working towards his Bachelorʻs Degree in Computer Science.
In his essay, Kekai, reflects on his journey, experiences, and the impact Hawaiian Canoe Club has had on his life.
I started paddling during the summer of 2020. Over the few months prior, the craziest events had taken place: COVID was spreading throughout the world, the economy was in a frenzy, and everyone was figuring out what to do as they navigated the world of giving presentations in PJs on a Zoom call while feeding their sourdough starters. Looking for something to do, I decided to start paddling. I always wanted to try paddling; my dad paddled, along with my aunties and uncles and cousins, and basically my whole family. But I never had time until the pandemic came around.
Paddling wasn’t easy for me, as I was a small kid who had never really worked out in his life. My body ached with each lap around the harbor, but I loved it. It was fun and refreshing and allowed me to escape the crazy world I was living in.
From then on, I have learned invaluable lessons in communication, leadership, and cultural heritage. Being a steersman, I am responsible for guiding my crew, giving clear instructions, and ensuring we move as a unifed team. This role has significantly enhanced my communication skills, teaching me to convey messages effectively and listen to feedback for continuous improvement. Leadership is not just about directing others but also fostering a sense of trust and collaboration within the team. My experiences in the canoe have equipped me with these essential qualities.
In addition, I was able to participate in many unique cultural experiences through Hawaiian Canoe Club, such as visiting Kahoʻolawe. I was able to participate in the kaʻapuni in 2020 and volunteered through access trips during the two following years. During my first experience in 2020, I got to see Kaho’olawe close up for the first time. While I didn’t get to see what the island was like on land, I was able to see the entire island, something that many never get to experience. It was so incredible to see the sea cliffs and the semingly untouched beaches. But I never really understood Kahoʻolawe until I went on that first access trip.
As we hiked 12 miles up towards Moaulaiki after our 12-mile paddle to Kahoʻolawe, my entire body felt like my surroundings: dry and dead. Sweat rolled into my eyes as I looked towards what I hoped would be the top. Was this worth it? Why did I do this? I questioned myself with every step.
“We take off our shoes to feel the pain. The pain you feel, that sharp pain as you walk across the lava rocks, is nowhere near as much pain as the island felt during those 50 years of bombing,” our kua said before we went to the summit. So we walked, each step painful as the blisters of our feet were impaled with the needles of the rocks.
And then I saw it. I looked towards the ocean and saw the land, pierced with blood-red valleys that cut through the ground to reveal its pain. I felt so small, so insignificant on top of this peak. At that moment, I could feel the land screaming at me for help. What was supposed to be a short trip in my summer off from school with Hawaiian Canoe Club turned into a pivotal moment, empowering me to seek out what I could do to help. But the one thing that remained true was the one realization I had at the top of Kahoʻolawe: I couldn’t, wouldn’t let my culture die.
As I look toward my future, I am excited to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a focus on AI at Stanford University. During this new chapter, I hope to integrate technology and cultural preservation through both my studies and research. The Lake ʻOhana Scholarship will play a crucial role in this journey, providing me with the financial support to delve deeper into my studies and develop technologies that will benefit my community here in Hawaii.
Being a part of Hawaiian Canoe Club has been more than just a recreational activity; it has been a source of inspiration, learning, and community. It has taught me the importance of resilience, teamwork, and cultural pride. With the support of the Lake ʻOhana Scholarship, I am confident that I can achieve these aspirations, which will enable me to give back to the community that has shaped me into who I am today.
