HONORING LĀNAʻI
A voyage rooted in aloha, stewardship, and gratitude.
For many paddlers, arriving at Hulopoʻe Bay is one of the most meaningful moments of the entire Paddle for Life experience.
Each year, we are welcomed onto Lānaʻi through the generosity of the Lānaʻi community, cultural practitioners, land stewards, partner organizations, and volunteers who make this voyage possible.
We do not arrive simply as event participants.
We arrive as guests.
That distinction guides everything we do throughout our time on Lānaʻi.
Mālama ʻĀina
Mālama ʻĀina means to care for and honor the land.
It is one of the guiding principles of Paddle for Life.
As guests on Lānaʻi, we share the responsibility of caring for this special place with the same respect we would show our own home.
Together we commit to:
Leaving every location cleaner than we found it.
Packing out all trash.
Remaining on designated paths.
Respecting native plants, wildlife, and marine ecosystems.
Following all event guidelines designed to protect the land and preserve access for future voyages.
Our goal is simple:
Leave only footprints. Carry home only memories.
We Are Guests on Lānaʻi
A Shared Responsibility
Paddle for Life is made possible through partnerships and permits that allow our community to gather at Hulopoʻe Beach Park each year.
That opportunity is both meaningful and rare.
Every participant helps preserve that trust through respectful behavior, thoughtful stewardship, and consideration for the residents of Lānaʻi and everyone sharing these public spaces.
During Our Stay
We ask every paddler to:
Respect quiet hours beginning at 10:00 p.m.
Wear appropriate attire in public areas.
Camp only in designated locations.
Be mindful of other park users.
Help leave the park cleaner than we found it.
Remember that our actions reflect on the entire Paddle for Life ʻohana.
Honoring Sacred Places
Puʻu Pehe
Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) is a sacred burial and ceremonial site that holds deep cultural significance.
During Paddle for Life:
We view Puʻu Pehe only from the water.
Climbing the rock is prohibited.
We keep voices low and behave respectfully while nearby.
Photography is welcomed when done thoughtfully and without disrupting ceremony.
Our presence should reflect gratitude and humility.
Kapihaʻā
The ancient fishing village of Kapihaʻā stretches from Mānele Bay to Hulopoʻe Beach.
While visiting:
Stay on designated paths.
Respect interpretive signage.
Avoid disturbing archaeological and cultural sites.
These practices help preserve Lānaʻi's history for future generations.
A Meaningful Arrival
One of the most moving moments of Paddle for Life happens before we even come ashore.
Upon arrival at Hulopoʻe Bay, all canoes pause outside the bay while the Manaʻolana—our cancer survivors—lead the ceremonial entry.
Guided by volunteers from the Lānaʻi Canoe Club, each canoe enters in sequence, honoring the cultural protocol that has become an important tradition of Paddle for Life.
We ask every paddler to experience this moment with patience, presence, and respect.
Protecting the Ocean We Paddle
Marine Wildlife
Federal law protects spinner dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, coral reefs, and other marine life that call these waters home.
Please help us protect these remarkable ecosystems by observing all wildlife respectfully and following event guidance throughout the voyage.
Reef-Safe Practices
Only reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen should be used during the event to help protect Hawaiʻi's fragile marine environment.
Leave No Trace
Everything brought to Lānaʻi should leave with us.
Together we strive to leave Hulopoʻe Beach Park as beautiful—or even more beautiful—than we found it.
Shared Stewardship
Stewardship isn't one person's responsibility.
It belongs to every paddler.
Our Promise to the Lānaʻi Community
As members of the Paddle for Life ʻohana, we recognize that visiting Lānaʻi is a privilege.
We promise to approach this voyage with humility, aloha, and gratitude.
We promise to care for the land, respect cultural traditions, protect the ocean, and support one another.
We promise to leave every place better than we found it.
Through our actions, we honor the people who welcome us each year and help ensure that Paddle for Life can continue for generations to come.
Stewardship Continues on the Water
Honoring Lānaʻi is one part of preparing for Paddle for Life.
Next, learn about the safety practices that help protect every paddler throughout the voyage.
