Tarita was shaped by Leighton Look in the late 1990s.

Leighton Look, who had been one of Hui Lanakila's original members, became a driving force for the club. He was an excellent steersman, shaper, coach, and board member of the club, and many would say he embodied the paddler spirit. The Tarita, named after his daughter, became known as one of the fastest koa canoes in the state and led as an example to many others that followed. "He transformed a grass-roots club into a state powerhouse," according to his brother Les Look.

The whole club, old and new members throughout the years, will be coming together to celebrate. Come and learn about the history of Taria, and the rich history of this club.

Guest appearances:

Kumu Hula Margaret J. Niuli‘i Heine
Kumu Hula Niuli’i Heine will be blessing Tarita. She’s a Native Hawaiian, a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, and received her Business Management Degree at Chaminade University.

She lives on Hawaiian Home Lands in Waimanalo.  Niuli’i has danced hula for over 30 years for Na Pua Lei O Likolehua, recently graduated in 2009 as a Kumu Hula (hula teacher), and is now teaching in the halau.  She is actively involved in outrigger canoe paddling with over 30 years of experience as a paddler and coach. Niuli’i is an Assistant Vice President at First Hawaiian Bank.