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"The Heart of the Paddle: The Story of Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers"

PADDLING WITH A PURPOSE.....


On the turquoise waters of Maui, where the ocean hums with life and the wind carries the scent of salt and plumeria, a pink canoe cuts gently through the waves. Inside it, laughter echoes, chants rise like prayers, and every stroke of the paddle is a testimony — not of weakness, but of profound strength. Our courage, unity, and aloha spirit are deeply inspiring.

This is the story of the Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers — not just a canoe club, but a living, breathing ‘Ohana, born of hope, shaped by challenge, and bound together by love.

For many who arrive at the club’s shores, cancer is more than a diagnosis — it is a storm. It brings fear, pain, and often, a sense of isolation. But when a survivor steps into the canoe, surrounded by others who have walked the same uncertain path, something begins to change. The rhythm of the ocean syncs with the beat of the heart. Strength returns. So does laughter. Healing begins. We paddle not to compete, but to connect. Not to escape, but to embrace.

Since our beginning in 2006, Mana’olana Pink Paddlers has grown into a movement — a celebration of life, of community, and of the spirit that cannot be broken. Three days a week paddlers take to the water, honoring those who are fighting, those who have survived, and those whose spirits paddle with them from beyond.


Today, Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers continues to be a source of light in the lives of many. Our story reminds us that healing isn’t just about medicine — it's about movement, community, nature, and faith. It’s about paddling through pain and finding joy again. It’s about knowing that even in the hardest moments, you are never alone — you are Ohana. Mana’olana brings calm waters, strong paddles, and endless mana 🌊💖


As a Nonprofit Organization, we are committed to being a “grass-roots” charitable organization by reaching out into our community to make a difference. We are a 100% volunteer-based organization with a strong Board, effective leadership, and a very active, committed and inspiring membership. We have developed rewarding community partnerships with MAUI CANCER RESOURCES, and PACIFIC CANCER FOUNDATION . 

We also now fund our own WAVES OF HOPE CANCER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM to assist Maui County cancer patients.


MISSION STATEMENT
To cultivate hope, health, fitness, and fun for cancer survivors and their supporters
through outrigger canoe paddling and other programs.

We aim to aid and support cancer patients to health and recovery throughout their cancer journey
through our myriad of programs, community outreach, and fundraising efforts
.



Our mission has been followed and developed into a program that started with 6 members and today has over 200 members.

We offer first year cancer survivors a $2 annual membership for both Mana’olana and our sister club, Maui Canoe Club.

After the first year, single membership is $200 and family of 2 membership is $325 for both clubs.

We have a private donor/foundation who sponsors fees for cancer survivors who can’t afford dues, and Maui Canoe Club will waive part of their membership fee to ensure cancer survivors can participate in our programs.

For additional information about our members and what we're doing, please visit our Facebook page at Mana'olana Maui.https://www.facebook.com/manaolana.pink?fref=ts

ORIGINAL MEMBERS