I ka wa ma mua, ka wa ma hope (the future is in the past)

No Nā Keiki was founded in 2024 through the shared vision of coaches Seth Ramolete, Harley Salis, and Keone Loo, who wanted to create opportunities for youth to experience the traditions, challenges, and lifelong lessons of Hawaiian canoe paddling.

What began as a dream of three fathers and three keiki preparing for the Kanaka Ikaika Racing Association (KIRA) Molokaʻi Challenge as an OC-2 relay team soon became something much greater. Their successful crossing of the Kaiwi Channel showed what could be accomplished through commitment, teamwork, and believing in one another. That experience sparked the beginning of No Nā Keiki.

As more youth and families became interested in paddling, the vision naturally grew. What started with a handful of keiki quickly became an opportunity to share the sport with more families while creating a place where youth could challenge themselves, build lasting friendships, and develop a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian canoe paddling.

In 2025, No Nā Keiki officially became a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The program continued to grow, welcoming new families, expanding its coaching staff, supporting paddlers in the Kaiwi Pāʻa Solo, and entering multiple relay crews in the KIRA Molokaʻi Challenge.

The following year marked another exciting chapter as No Nā Keiki established its home at Heʻeia State Park through its partnership with the Puakea Foundation and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of State Parks. Having a place to call home allowed the program to continue growing while deepening its connection to the land, the ocean, and the surrounding community.

Today, No Nā Keiki welcomes youth ages 10 to 18 and provides opportunities for paddlers of all experience levels. Whether a keiki is stepping into a canoe for the very first time or working toward long-distance paddling, every participant is encouraged to learn at their own pace while being supported by coaches, teammates, families, and our entire No Nā Keiki ʻohana.

Although No Nā Keiki has grown over the years, its heart has remained the same, to create opportunities for youth while perpetuating and preserving the traditions of Hawaiian canoe paddling for future generations.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to creating a place where every keiki feels welcomed, supported, challenged, and inspired to become the very best version of themselves.

What began with three fathers, three keiki, and a dream continues today as an ʻohana that believes every child deserves the opportunity to discover what they are capable of both on and off the water.