HONOLULU (KHON2) – The Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai race is approaching, and Team Bradley is prepared to set a fast stroke from the start.
Kahuna kalai wa’a, or Master canoe builder, Uncle Sonny Bradley has dedicated his life to the craft. His work honors the life once held in the koa tree, bringing it renewed purpose on the ocean. That connection inspires him to put forth his best effort and give each canoe even more life.
“It’s so great to build a koa canoe from a living tree, and now you’ve got the canoe in the water and it’s still alive,” Uncle Sonny said. “It’s going to battle.”
For Uncle Sonny, canoe building and paddling have shaped not only his craft but also his way of life. Over the last eight years, he poured his heart into carving a koa canoe, now proudly known as “Momi.”
The name carries deep meaning, as the canoe honors his wife, who shared in his passion for the craft and often worked alongside him.
Their shared love for the ocean and canoe building helped fuel his journey, making Momi a tribute not only to the koa tree from which it came, but also to the partnership that inspired its creation.
His pride in each canoe comes from a deep love for the ʻāina and the people it serves.
“It once was a living thing, and we carved it,” he continued. “When you carve a koa canoe, you have all that mana and feeling…cause you know it’s alive, and when you see it in the water, it’s so beautiful.”
Originally, Uncle Sonny hoped Momi would race in last year’s Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai. Instead, he chose to give her another year, carefully polishing her for her long-awaited debut in 2025.
A servant leader in the paddling ʻohana, Uncle Sonny gives back to the community by sharing his canoes and offering others the chance to experience them at their best.
“The good Lord gave me hands to make it nice, and I took it from there,” he shared. “…and there it is, just look at it, how beautiful it is.”
Today, teams across Hawaiʻi compete in canoes he has crafted, and Uncle Sonny remains generous in lending them to others.
“We hope Team Bradley and the community, with everybody who uses it and paddle it, enjoy it because it was a living thing at once and it still is,” Uncle Sonny shared. “As long as they paddling in it, it’s still alive.”
Inspired by his love for both paddling and people, Uncle Sonny continues to support Team Bradley, ensuring his girls race with honor and strength as they hoe wa‘a, or paddle canoe.
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This Sunday, Sept. 28, be sure to tune in and watch the competition LIVE on KHII, KHON2.com, KHON+, and KHON YouTube.