Waimanalo Canoe Halau

The Waimanalo community, through a thoughtfully compiled 40-page conceptual plan publication prepared by the Waimanalo Canoe Club, presented their vision of this halau. This vision was for the halau to "be the centerpiece and catalyst to further revise the Club, its 'ohana, the Beach Park and to contribute to the larger community." Rather than constructing a contemporary Western-style structure, it was requested to construct a Halau more in the style of a traditional Hawaiian halau. As the halau was required to be built to current building code standards and by a contractor selected by competitive bid, research of traditional forms was interpreted into architecture comprised of materials and techniques utilized in modern construction.

The basic structural pattern of a Hawaiian walled thatched house was utilized with with low moss rock walls forming the platform, five symmetrical columns on each side supporting a curved roof structure. The side columns were designed to support three unrigged 6-man Hawaiian Racing Canoes on each side with the space between allowing for trailer storage of additional canoes. The sides of the halau between the columns are provided with security grille panels so that flow-through air circulation is achieved. Each end of the halau can open for access and the attic storage space is naturally ventilated through eave and ridge vents. Exterior materials were selected that will naturally patina to further blend into the Waimanalo Beach Park environment.

Construction of a halau wa'a in which canoes may be kept and other cultural activities such as - canoe making; net and fishtrap making; stonework; language lessons; development of ethnobotanical programs; instruction of mele and hula; and other cultural activities - can be taught. The halau is also to be a place where meetings may occur and from which interpretation can be offered. As previously stated, the design of the proposed canoe halau was to be appropriate from both a cultural and contextual standpoint with reference made to assimilate the design of a traditional style halau wa'a.

Within this, specific needs included interior storage racks that can accommodate +/- 6 six-man canoes (40-44 feet in length) and trailer storage for additional 6 man canoes or smaller canoes and kayaks; provision for secured storage for equipment (e.g., paddles, canoe covers and additional storage) in attic loft; informal gathering area for paddlers, community members and public, as appropriate; provision for water hose bib off of building exterior for hosing off canoes; accessibility to meet ADAAG requirements and provision of roll-up garage doors and separate personnel door.

Kailua Kona Clinic • Diamond Head Residence • Waialae Residence • Honolulu Clinic Interior • Windward Church • Kailua Oahu Clinic • Kailua Beach Park Canoe Halau • Kaneohe Residence • Thinker Toys-Pearlridge • Waimanalo Canoe Halau • Kaiser Regional Headquarters • USPS Annex, Lihue Kauai • Queens Physician Lounge • Kafe Kapena, Outrigger Hobron Hotel

HOME • FIRM HISTORY • PROJECTS • AWARDS • CONTACT US
45-1144 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 404 • Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
copyright © 2004 AKTA-LTD. All Rights Reserved.
Site Designed by Gold Element Design.