Cribbage Canoe by Greg Eaves
Woodcrafter Greg Eaves comes from a long line of Kama’aina craftsmen. Greg’s great-grandfather, Christian Gertz Jr., moved to Hawaii in 1853 at the age of 15 and was trained by the renowned Wilhelm Fisher, one Honolulu’s finest cabinetmakers of the time. Mr. Gertz made two of the three pieces entered into the 1873 World’s Fair by Fisher, whom he eventually bought out upon his retirement. Mr. Gertz was later chosen to build the grand koa and kamani wood staircase in the lolani Palace which was completed for King Kalakaua in 1882. He is now prominently featured in the book “Hawaiian Furniture & Hawaii’s Cabinet Makers”.
His son George Gertz continued the tradition as a respected Honolulu boat builder in the early 20th century. Greg’s father, Brad Eaves has since inherited his grandfather’s tools some of which are still used to this day carrying on the family tradition.
Greg Eaves was born on Oahu and raised on the Big Island where he learned the trade of wood working from his father. Over the past 20 years, Greg has developed his skills and now is the fourth generation in a long line of master craftsmen.
His koa wood products have been shown on television, featured in newspapers and magazines and can be found in fine island galleries. His solid Koa canoes are numbered and signed collectorʻs items for generations to come.
Learn more about Greg Eaves here.
