Hawai’i Adaptive Paddling Association

Just wanted to tell you more about HAPA. Half half is a good explanation. HAPA is a group of about half adults that are mostly on different paddling crews and the other half is participants that have different disabilities or special needs. Both groups paddle together on outrigger canoes off of Kailua Beach Park.
The group is warm and inviting. Everyone is welcoming and really tries to make an Ohana for those that love the ocean and just want to join for a short day.
There are usually 2 boats that go out at a time, usually two participants go out with four able bodied adult volunteers. Safety is always a concern. As the weather can get rough for small boats out sometimes– there have been a few times that I can remember that the paddling part was canceled and on land on the grass park activities were provided or offered.
Sometimes there is a lunch provided from Pinky’s. Shout Out to Pinky’s for the wonderful community support! The food from Pinky’s is always hot, tastey and wonderful on a beach day. This is how the day usually ends– is with great talk story over a shared meal and a chance to cool down and relax while being with good new friends.
Waning that the Windward side can get WINDY– bring hat and sunglasses. The wind blows the sand and it can get into the eyes easily.
Compared to Accessurf– this group is much smaller and it is easier to get to know the volunteers easier –in general. If Kapolie is too far, Kailua may be close to you and you may get to make great new friends while having a great day volunteering on the ocean.
IT usually is — ‘Another Beautiful Day in Hawaii Nei!’ when you are at HAPA.
Hawaii Adaptive Paddling Association
P.O. Box 4194
Kaneohe, HI 96 744
Email:
O’AHU (WINDWARD SIDE)
@ Kailua Beach Park 450 Kawailoa Rd
Kailua, HI 96 734
Hawaii Adaptive Paddling Association provides a monthly recreational program on the third Saturday of every month between 10:00am-1:00pm at Kailua Beach Park on the Island of O’ahu. Sheltered Kailua Bay serves as an ideal venue for the monthly gatherings. With its white sandy beach, it provides a safe environment for our paddlers on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Participants enjoy a day at the beach and can participate in paddling, swimming, or playing in the sand with beach toys. Free lunch is provided.
Effective March 2013, we are relocating to a new area at Kailua Beach Park due to extensive erosion and for the safety and convenience of our participants. We will be on the Kane’ohe Side of the canal in front of the pavilion. Parking is available in the lot behind Kalapawai Market (access from the street adjacent to Kalapawai). Download map and directions here.
Canoes, paddles, safety equipment & life vests, boogie boards and beach toys are provided. Free parking. For the safety of all participants, paddlers will be asked to sign a waiver.
We are a registered 501©(3) non profit organization and licensed with the State of Hawaii. Hawaii Adaptive Paddling Association is a 100% volunteer organization, so all donations received go directly to benefit our programs and participants.
We welcome all participants in the spirit of aloha and share our motto, Kia Kaha («Stay Strong»).
They are a great group of paddlers that want to help people enjoy the ocean.