HILO AQUATIC CLUB

Aloha,

Welcome to our HAQ Poi Dog Paddlers extended 'ohana’. We are a "resurrected", non-profit, community based club that has been in existence, most recently since 1998. Hilo Aquatic Swim Club operated many years ago beginning in 1958 under the coaching expertise of Mr. Edward Kawachika. As the years progressed, we merged with another club using their name. In late 1998, Jon Hayashida, a former swimmer of Mr. Kawachika's, reorganized HAQ and became our head coach.

Swimming is a wonderful sport - as well as a "must" for any island child. It is a convenient activity - what else do we need except a swim suit and towel? As it turns out, swimming, at a competitive level, requires much more.

Competition in age-group swimming takes a commitment on  the part of swimmers and their families. There are financial costs and time commitments. There are days of tough practices and high expectations. On the other hand, there are fun family activities where children roast marshmallows and go pole-fishing. There are other "important" competitions, like decorating rubber slippers or goggles with a Halloween theme, or out-cheering other teams at meets.