Kahiau and Uncle Bo

“Kahiau, selfless generosity, is what we need to embrace,” said our friend George Kam. A long-time marketing guru at Quiksilver, George now has his sights set on making Hawaii a better place. His strategy for change begins with our motives. He believes for change to happen, we need to start giving more and focusing less on personal return. Who is listening to George? Well, the Governor of Hawaii, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and Malinda and Yvon Chouinard, founders of Patagonia, to name a few.  

A few days after our lunch with George in Honolulu, Meg and I flew to Kailua-Kona. When we walked into the lobby of the King Kamehameha Hotel, we immediately felt the loss. A hotel which is a home away from home, felt vacant without hearing Uncle Bo’s greeting shouted across the crowded lobby.  Best known as the Race Director of the Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race, we were in Kona to attend his funeral. 

On February 16, 2019, Meg and I paddled out with Kai Opua Canoe Club to spread the ashes of Lawrence “Uncle Bo” Campos. We will remember our friend as a mentor to young paddlers, President of Kai Opua Canoe Club, Race Commissioner for the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Race, and an instrumental force in bringing the International Va’a Federation World Sprints to Hawaii. Bo Campos dedicated his life to outrigger paddling. His selfless actions helped make our paddling experiences better. He was an exemplary example of Kahiau and will be dearly missed. “Love you Baby.” 

Aloha, 

Dave