Authentic Hawaiian Koa Paddles, Hand Carved, Stone rubbed, Oiled and Waxed.
Order your custom carved canoe paddles here. Made in Hilo, Hawaii with the most beautiful wood this island has to offer, Koa.
Teardrop Koa Paddle
My client requested for me to carve a monstera leaf on to the paddle. Now that the foundation is looking good, I'll carve an 'iwi that will be perched on the shaft or leaf. The honeycreaper will help tell a story and make it feel like the leaf belongs in the composition. It will also make it Hawaii specific, as the :iwi is a native Hawaiian species. Fun challenge!
Vintage Koa Paddle
A connection with 'The way they were'. Carved out of a single slab of Big Island Koa. A true celebration of the authentic Hawaiian canoe paddle. Super rare. Distressed, stone rubbed and finished with coconut oil. Full-size, 49"-56".
The Hawaiian paddle is unique in the Pacific in that it's design cannot be confused with any other group. Most definitely function over form. The paddles were flat on the back and curved in front. They were wide and oval in shape. The lengths of the blades were 19-26 inches, with an average of 23" while the widths averaged 8.5-15" with an average of 12". At the tip of the blade was a short rib. (Found in roughly half of the antique paddles) Simply a thicker area at the point where the paddle naturally would be at it's weakest.
These paddles were carved out of a single piece of wood and were 50-60" in length.
(Information taken from 'Arts and Crafts of Hawaii' Volume VI Canoes By Te Rangi Hiroa)
These paddles were carved out of a single piece of wood and were 50-60" in length.
(Information taken from 'Arts and Crafts of Hawaii' Volume VI Canoes By Te Rangi Hiroa)
Koa Wood Gifts
Over the last 5 years, the paddles I produce are evolving back in time to something much more in line with the traditional or authentic. I started with the designs commonly found online and in many galleries. A three piece paddle, bookmatch blades and laminated. They are beautiful but, in my opinion, lack in that authentic feel. I now make many of my paddles with one piece of Koa. Hand made, tool marks, stone rubbed and finished with coconut oil. Defects or cracks are addressed with bowties.
They are celebrations of the functional paddles from days past.
Each paddle represents 20-30 hours of love.
.
They are celebrations of the functional paddles from days past.
Each paddle represents 20-30 hours of love.
.
Very close attention is given to each beautiful koa paddle I make. I build them to last a lifetime.
Paddles are built on request. Please scroll down to the bottom of this page for contact information.
Paddles are built on request. Please scroll down to the bottom of this page for contact information.
Custom Carved and Painted Paddles
That Scream Polynesian Pride.
Chip Carved Paddles
Designs that celebrate the Pacific! I am set up to be as creative as you want. Perfect for home or office decoration, these wonderful works of art are also a great gift or award option. On request, I will be happy to provide you with matching hanging hardware. Discounted pricing is offered for orders greater than 5 pieces. How to Order Simply contact me via the form below. Let me know if you have a design in mind or if you would like me to come up with something new. Inventory Due to the fact that I am a one man operation, I do not keep a large inventory. Instead, I create beautiful, one of a kind, paddles on request. I want to make something for you that no one else has. As an artist, I not only want to make a beautiful, decorative piece, I want each work of art to tell a story. |
If you would prefer to call me, my mobile number is (808) 756-5822