Keani Reiner

Keani Reiner (1952–1994) was a Hawaiian surfer and sailor. Keani Reiner and her crewmate Penny Rawlins were the first women to sail on a long-open ocean voyage aboard Hōkūleʻa on the return trip from Tahiti to Hawai'i in 1976. She was also a part of the first all-girl crew to complete the Na Holo Kai Sailing Canoe Race from Oahu to Kauai in 1990.

Early life She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 20, 1952, of Blackfoot indian and German ancestry. Reiner completed her graduation from Punahou School. She was a member of the Outrigger Canoe Club. Keani sailed her own catamaran at the age of 7, which was built by her father. She sailed along with other crew members including Snake Ah Hee, Andy Espirito, Kawika Kapahulehua, Mel Kinney, Kainoa Lee, Kimo Lyman, Gordon Piianaia, Leonard Puputauiki, Penny Rawlins, Nainoa Thompson, Makaala Yates and Dr. Ben Young.

In a personal communication, her crewmate Penny Martin said,

In 1990, Keani was a member of the first all-girl crew to complete the Na Holo Kai Sailing Canoe Race from Oahu to Kauai in 1990.

Personal life Keani Reiner was married to John Kruse

Death At the age of 42, she died of breast cancer on September 25, 1994. She was survived by her sister, Shea Reiner, husband Glenn Schot and her son Kepa Kruse.