Exploring Maui’s Culture Through Canoe: HawaiiActivities.com & BKR Spotlight We Paddle Maui

At HawaiiActivities.com, we’re proud to collaborate with local filmmaker BKR to highlight the stories behind our incredible activity providers, who they are, what they believe in, and how they share Hawaii’s culture through travel. Our new video series begins with a powerful look at We Paddle Maui, a Lahaina-based canoe tour provider. In the first video, “Rooted First: This Lahaina Canoe Tour is More Than Just Business,” BKR captures more than just ocean views, he brings viewers into the heart of Hawaiian tradition, resilience, and stewardship.

Outrigger canoe paddling is a popular ocean activity in Hawaii, but as shown in the video, it’s far more than a leisure experience. At We Paddle Maui, every tour is an opportunity to educate and inspire through Hawaiian values. Guests are welcomed into an immersive journey, learning about the significance of the canoe in island history, experiencing moʻolelo (oral stories), and participating in chants and rituals. This connection to culture transforms a paddling excursion into a meaningful encounter with place and tradition.

Each We Paddle Maui tour starts along the storied shores of Lahaina, once the royal capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. From the first paddle stroke, guests are guided not just on water but through heritage. The canoe becomes a floating classroom, where traditional knowledge is shared in a deeply respectful and engaging way. Guides don’t simply entertain—they teach, inspire, and build connection. It’s the kind of learning that stays with you long after the tour ends.

The video introduces us to Fabio Maximino, owner of We Paddle Maui, and a highly respected waterman in the Maui community. Fabio is more than a tour operator—he’s a cultural practitioner who has surfed, paddled, danced hula, and led a local capoeira group. After losing both his home and surf shop in the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, he chose to rebuild We Paddle Maui, not for profit but as a commitment to preserving culture. His story, as told in the film, is one of strength, heart, and dedication to the community.

We Paddle Maui tours also reflect a deep commitment to ocean conservation. As the video shows, these tours aim to spark a sense of kuleana (responsibility) in every visitor by encouraging respectful, sustainable interaction with the ocean. Proceeds often support environmental efforts and cultural resource restoration, turning a fun activity into a purposeful act. This approach to eco-tourism aligns with our mission at HawaiiActivities.com—to elevate experiences that protect the natural and cultural integrity of the islands.

What makes this project truly special is BKR’s thoughtful storytelling. As a Maui-born filmmaker, BKR intentionally centers local voices, letting the guides, paddlers, and cultural leaders tell their own stories. His approach moves away from traditional influencer-style vlogging and instead promotes a model of meaningful travel that respects place and people. By focusing on authenticity and letting the community shine, BKR helps redefine what responsible tourism looks like in Hawaii—and we at HawaiiActivities.com are proud to support that vision.

Inspired by the video? So are we. A paddle tour with We Paddle Maui offers not only a beautiful day on the water but a deeper connection to Hawaiian culture and values. Look for providers like them who mention cultural education or conservation work on their tours, and you’ll know you’re supporting travel that gives back. Whether you’re new to paddling or returning for more, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the islands—respectfully, joyfully, and meaningfully.

Grab your `ohana or your adventure buddies and watch We Paddle Maui – Rooted in Culture and Adventure by BKR. Then come see for yourself why paddling in Hawaii is more than an activity—it’s an invitation to connect with the spirit of the islands.

Watch here: We Paddle Maui – Rooted in Culture and Adventure (BKR)