The best in the state are set to take to the waters of Maui today at the Hawaii Canoe Racing Association State Championships.
The 41-race championships at Hanakao’o Park will hosts events ranging from ¼ mile to 1-mile for age divisions ranging from 12 to 65-plus.
The Moku O Hawaii association will send 82 crews to the event. Kai Opua leads the way with 21, which will place them in the AAAA division — the highest at states. Moku and two-time AAA state champions Puna will send 20 crews and are favorites for a threepeat in the division.
In AA, Kai Ehitu has 12 crews entered, while Kawaihae (6), Kamehameha (5), Keoua Honaunau (5), Keaukaha (5), Paddlers of Laka (3), Keauhou (2) and Waikoloa (2) will be in the A division.
In all, there are 549 crews competing over the weekend from 56 clubs.
For results, visit HCRApaddler.com.