For the first time since 2019, paddlers will return to Kona’s waters to compete in the Queen Liliuokalani Outrigger Canoe Races.
With the first race of the weekend – the sprint relay racy – slated to begin at 2 p.m. today, a new chapter will be written in the annual tradition first started in 1972. The signature 18-mile race will run on Saturday; the Wahine, Mix 50+ and 60+ will start in Kailua Bay at 7:30 a.m., while the Kane, Mix Open and 40+ will start at 11:45 in Honaunau Bay.
The award presentation following the signature race is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel’s Luau Grounds.
“Kona’s place in canoe regatta history is unrivaled and since its launch, the Queen Liliuokalani Outrigger Canoe Races has shared Hawaiian culture through the sport of outrigger canoe racing with the world,” said race organizers in a statement. “…Other official Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race events include Historic Kailua Village Cultural
Walk, International Paddlers’ Reception, Talk Story, arts, crafts and food booths, Torchlight Parade, Awards Presentation and the Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race Luau.”
Those who are unable to attend the signature race in person are able to tune in on the event’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/QueenLiliuokalaniCanoeRace – starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.