Reason for Being

We started Kamanu Composites with the simple goal of doing something fun centered around what we loved. The canoe brought us together. It formed us as individuals and as a company. But today, it’s about more than just building canoes and having a good time. What brings us back each day is the idea that we are part of something bigger. By focusing on our craft, localism, and sustainability we aim to use this business as a means to have a positive impact on the world.

For everything that we produce, we thrive on doing each step the best way we know how. First we figure out what we want; then we design it, we build it, and we do everything in-between until a quality product is in the hands of the user. It’s a learning experience and it’s a practice in self reliance. Striving for perfection within every step of the manufacturing process has become more than just a responsibility; it’s an obsession. We believe a product should not be made for consumption, but for long term value and use. We make every effort to deliver that.

We believe wholeheartedly in local manufacturing. We don’t outsource, re-sell, or source canoes. We build them from start to finish. Materials come in and canoes go out. We believe it results in better products, reduces our environmental footprint, stimulates our local economy, and provides high skilled jobs to our community.

Every business decision is framed around a simple premise: sustainability. And that filters our every action. From our commitment to local manufacturing, to reducing our reliance on petrochemical materials, to rejecting the idea of limitless growth. We are working towards a company that’s net impact on the world is positive. We still have a long way to go, but with the right core values we believe we are pulling that goal a little closer every day.

In the end, it’s about satisfied customers, happy workers, and a healthy world.

Who We Are

Kamanu Composites was founded in 2007 by three friends pursuing a lifelong dream. Over the years it has expanded to include nineteen composites technicians and a team of the world’s best paddlers. While the company is centered out of Kailua, O’ahu, Kamanu Composites has licensed local manufacturers in France (Woo) and Australia (Kamanu Aus) and distribution networks in Los Angeles, Seattle, Japan, and Hong Kong.