The Rapa Nui Outrigger Club (Mata Hoe Vaka Kahu Kahu O Hera Rapa Nui) was founded on Easter Island in 1989 by Rodrigo Paoa Atamu, President of Corporación de Resguardo Cultural Mata Nui A Hotu A Matu'a O Kahu O Hera, with UCLA archaeologist Jo Anne Van Tilburg, Ph.D. as advisor. The Corporación is a vital and active group of Rapa Nui artists, artisans, community leaders, merchants and educators, and consists of thirty active members and a seven-member Board of Directors.

In 1991, members voted to work together with supporters in California and Hawaìi to acquire a matched pair of excellent -condition Hawaìian Classic outrigger canoes with all associated equipment. These canoes are recommended by experts, and will enable Mata Hoe Vaka Kahu Kahu O Hera Rapa Nui to enter the exciting world of competitive outrigger canoe racing.
The educational, social and cultural goals of the Rapa Nui Outrigger Club are to:


• Provide an exciting and positive athletic experience for the Rapa Nui young people;
• Teach outrigger canoe paddling skills as a way to develop a healthy body, seek personal achievement, appreciate cooperative effort, and foster pride;
• Stimulate young people's interest in Rapa Nui prehistory.
• Encourage the understanding and appreciation of Rapa Nui's role in Polynesian seafaring history;
• Explore the natural environment of the Pacific Ocean and the ecology of Rapa Nui as part of that environment;
• Develop cultural exchanges with other Pacific islanders and continental peoples through the celebration of Rapa Nui maritime skills.

Three ships under the command of Jacob Roggeveen sighted Rapa Nui on the afternoon watch of Easter Sunday, April 5, 1722. They were about 8 or 9 miles off, and as they waited for the thunder, sheet lightning and showers of the following day to abate, the first Rapa Nui paddler known to European history appeared. He was alone in a small outrigger (vaka), and boarded one of the vessels. He carefully noted the spars, the rigging, the running gear, the sails and guns. He sang, danced and laughed with the crew. Finally, his curiosity satisfied, he departed with trinkets and friendly farewells.

The next day, a party of 134 armed men landed on the island. They marched into a crowd of excited and confused Rapa Nui people, and one man lay hands on a musket. In fear, the Dutchman struck him. Immediately, shots rang out from all sides and 10 or 12 Rapa Nui people were struck. When it was over, the Rapa Nui paddler who had braved the choppy seas alone the day before lay dead on the beach.

Mata Hoe Vaka Kahu Kahu O Hera Rapa Nui was founded to honor the memory of that long- ago paddler.Though his name is unknown, he is the ancestor of all who come together today as members of the Rapa Nui Outrigger Club.

The Outrigger Canoe on Rapa Nui

The astonishing settlement of Rapa Nui, the most isolated island in the East Pacific, was accomplished by courageous Polynesian seafarers in double-hulled voyaging canoes, but the outrigger was a vital part of everyday life. The widespread use, speed, agility, and seaworthiness of the outrigger canoe makes it most representative of the common origin and water mastery of the Polynesian civilization.

Today, an estimated 2,000 six-person outrigger racing canoes are in competitive club use throughout the Pacific, with 50 to 100 added to the fleet each year. The sport includes paddlers of both sexes and all ages. Outrigger racing is well-established as an exciting sport and a deeply-treasured link with Polynesia's past....except on Rapa Nui. Unhappily, the outrigger canoe, and the history it represents ,was lost on Rapa Nui in the mid-1800's.

Until the birth of Mata Hoe Vaka Kahu Kahu O Hera Rapa Nui, an important part of Rapa Nui's Polynesian heritage was unavailable, but not forgotten. Today, the Rapa Nui Outrigger Club is reintroducing this wonderful sport to a new generation of Rapa Nui young people! At the same time, traditional skills and cultural practices will be revived and reinforced; thereby incorporating Rapa Nui into the larger Pacific island community.

The first goal of the Rapa Nui Outrigger Club, was to raise the funds required to purchase a Hawaiian Classic outrigger canoe suitable for Rapa Nui's rough waters. This was done with contributions from around the world. The canoe was named Tahatai and blessed in a solemn and sacred ceremony in Valparaiso Park, Long Beach, California conducted by honored men and women of the Hawaiian community. Inside the canoe, the community placed ti leaves, leis and other symbols of sacred mana. It was then sealed and crated. When it arrived on Rapa Nui, it was consecrated in a ceremony designed to have value and meaning to the entire community. Polynesians believe that a canoe is akin to a person, and, as such, she must be treated with proper respect for her mana. It is her job to hold the lives of those who are aboard her in safe and loving arms. Tahatai was given good luck which was carried to Rapa Nui. Through the continuing efforts of RNOC there are now two outrigger canoes on Rapa Nui, with more on the way!