KOA PUNA Kekahi koa o ka 'aina i ka houpo o Kane. Koa Puna translates as a warrior of the land from the heart of Kane, the Hawaiian god who created Man.

Koa Puna, is a men’s motorcycle club whose brothers have a passion for riding motorcycles, brotherhood, and a service to perpetuate the community’s well-being and harmony. Membership is a privilege and earned with a powerful presence outwardly expressed through a patch worn with pride and ardor. The patch, which is visible to all, expresses the rich history of the club. A patch adorns the vest or jacket and is worn while riding or in the presence of fellow members. The patch is a yellow Puna warrior shield with a white spoked wheel on it with two brown crossed spears. An original member, Bert Tagawa, designed the patch. You will see a smaller version of the patch over the heart of each member, which he received as a prospect.

Two brothers, Wayne and German Waipa along with a handful of Hawaiian Brothers, formed the club in 1979. Inspired by an ideal precept, their vision was that of a motorcycle club based on the hierarchy of responsibility. Guidelines were set with persuasiveness and purpose. Family comes first and is a man’s top priority followed by his work. How can a man provide, protect, and raise his family without a work ethic or a dedication to be a man. Family and work are prerequisites for his obligation and devotion to the club. This concept led forth the expansion to neighboring islands.

In 1980, in Perreiro’s garage in the town of Paia, the Maui group was started by a group of men, which included the current Maui President, Tommy Maddela. It was based on the direction, leadership, and principles set forth by “Uncle Wayne’” Further expansion led to Koa Punas on Oahu, with Donovan serving as president and on Kauai with Lenny Wheatley as president. The club currently stands at the pinnacle of Hawaiian Motorcycles clubs. The club took roots and has grown from a handful of gypsies to over 400 strong throughout the Hawaiian Islands including Koa's on the mainland in Oakland, Las Vegas, and Idaho.

Diversity is an appropriate adjective when describing the membership. Members trail in from all aspects of life. All races, all religions, and all political views permeate the club. Members include all walks of life with construction workers, EMTs, artists, boat captains, nuclear chemist/physics, mechanics, ironworkers, and tattoo artists. Yet with all this splintering of professions, race, and politics, the concepts set forth by Uncle Wayne act as an adhesive to bind the membership. Na Koa Puna take pride in dedication to the community. They sponsor fund-raisers, which include car shows, Easter day baskets for shelters, Toy-4-Tots, and a motorcycle rodeo. Great pride is evident by the members as these events are selflessly performed and planned solely for the recipients. Yet one must not forget that riding motorcycles, enjoying our brotherhood, and partying is the foundation of this kindred spirit. Sunday runs are a common place on each island with special runs hosted by various chapters.

The sight of a group of men riding side by side in a tight pack with the thunder and roar of a Harley Davidson motorcycle can transcend one back in time to visualized the image of the mighty warrior leading his army across the vast central steppes. Spectators stop and glare in awe as the wave of power passes. The vibrations of the ground caused by explosions of fuel in the mighty engines, the audio compression waves generated by these motorcycles, and the air of excitement results in a transitory experience, which becomes etched into their mind with fluidity and vehemence. Each Island has a traditional series of hosted runs. Members from visiting islands ship their bikes to participate. The Big Island of Hawaii annually hosts the Labor Day Run.

This year the run celebrated the 32-year anniversary. Maui hosts the 4th of July, Halloween and Maui’s Toy 4 Tots runs, while Oahu chapter host the main Toys 4 Tots run in early December. Brothers attend these runs from all islands as well as the mainland, which enables the comaraderie of brotherhood to perpetuate itself. The runs are shared with other motorcycle clubs as they are welcomed and greeted with Aloha. All experience fun and good times.

We invite you to vicariously experience a motorcycle run by visiting our photo gallery.