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Hawaiian Club Mellows Monterey Member s SHORTCUTS AT LARGE 70 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 Ke Kai O'Uhane Outrigger Canoe Club translates to "The Spirit of the Sea," and was founded by Hawaiian Les Charles in the 1980s. Monterey County members participate in the competitive water sport, as well as learn hula and enjoy camaraderie through luaus. Photo: David Moore T he physical distance between Hawaii and the Monterey Peninsula is around 2,500 miles. Since 1984, a dedicated group of Peninsula residents has worked hard to bridge that span, keeping Hawaiian culture alive on the mainland for native islanders while gifting the rest of us with the gentle, laid-back spirit of the South Seas. The Ke Kai O'Uhane (translated from Hawaiian as "The Spirit of the Sea") Outrigger Canoe Club was founded in 1984 by native Hawaiian Les Charles. For many centuries, outrigger canoes have been used by Polynesians for transpor tation, fishing and recreation. Today, these sleek craft, propelled by one to six paddlers, are used worldwide for racing. "Ke Kai is first and foremost about family," says club President Jaydee Joye, who assumed the leadership helm from her father, Les Charles. "Even though we're engaged in competitive events, it's a great family water spor t. It's about enjoying each other and having fun." The club's motto sums it up: E Alu Pu Ma Ka Hana means, "We work unitedly." Perhaps the first aspect of Hawaiian culture that comes to mind is the graceful and fluid hula dancing. "Hula is handed down from parent to child." says Joye. "In Hawaii, it's taught in schools along with Hawaiian his- tory, language and culture." Club members forge lifelong friendships, finding great joy in the cama- raderie of both paddling and hula. "Though we come from different cul- tures, ethnicities and races, at heart we are all family," Joye says. "Current or past member, you're still a part of us." Member Elsa Rivera agrees: "Ke Kai has brought me an expanded knowledge of a culture and discipline in dance that I will carry with me forever," she says. "Both the love of hula and respect for the ocean through paddling has brought me great joy." Ke Kai O'Uhane presents a fundraising luau on Saturday, March 1 at Salinas' Sherwood Hall. The event features authentic foods and an elaborate hula show. For more information, visit www.kekaiouhane.org. —Michael Chatfield 046-76 Shortcuts_SU05 Carmel Magazine 1/24/14 9:05 AM Page 13