KAILUA-KONA — Queen Liliuokalani race week has arrived, as paddlers from around the globe congregate in Kona for the world’s largest long-distance outrigger canoe race.
The 90th edition of the storied event will host crews from Australia, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong and French Polynesia as well as from U.S. states Nevada, Washington, California, Oregon, Virginia and New York. More than 75 Hawaii crews will be represented.
While the event has turned into nearly a week-long affair with various smaller races, the signature event is Saturday’s 18-mile Wa’a Kaukahi (single hull canoes) race. The legendary test of endurance and mental strength begins with the women going from Kailua Bay to Honaunau. The men bring it back 18 miles to Kailua Bay. Mixed crews also participate and in the Ironman division, crews race the entire course with no changes. More than 200 crews are expected to participate.
This year’s race is dedicated to Lawrence “Uncle Bo” Campos, who was the president of Kai Opua Canoe Club, race commissioner of the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association and the driving force behind the Queen Liliuokalani Races. Campos died Dec. 13 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71 years old.
“It’s the very least we could do,” said race director Mike Atwood, a long-time friend of Campos. “He had such a huge love for this sport and did so much to help perpetuate the culture and help it grow to new levels. We want everyone here to know just how special he was.”
Campos was a vibrant personality on race week, and while that can’t be replicated, Kai Opua members and others are doing their best to replace the energy level he brought to his work every day.
“It’s different without Bo, but the people who are stepping up to be a part of it are contributing an energy level that he would be proud of,” Atwood said.
Red Bull Wa’a, a local super crew, notched its third consecutive victory last year, clocking a time of 1 hour, 51 minutes and 8 seconds. They were able to hold off a hard-charging Maui Jim canoe (1:51:18) in the Iron Non-Koa Open Division.
Manager Mike Nakachi said the crew will be back to defend their title, but are filling a few seats with new faces and are ready for “healthy competition.” Maui Jim and Hui Nalu will be two crews looking to push the Red Bull boys.
Atwood said it’s nice to see local paddlers having success in the race.
“Having a crew from the Big Island do as well as they have done is really big because there are paddlers from all around the world competing here,” Atwood said. “I know they want to keep their streak going.”
The race is providing live broadcasts on Facebook, starting at 7:30 a.m. on race day. The broadcast crew will be on the racecourse bringing live commentary and interesting information on crews and paddlers throughout the day.
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Schedule of events
• Today
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Ho’o Kuku Lanalana, Rigging Clinic and Challenge
Hands o-on rigging clinic, followed by crews of 4 competing to lash a seaworthy canoe that displays both strength and aesthetics.
4 p.m.
Talk Story at Hulihee Palace
An informal talk with John Puakea, an internationally sought after canoe builder as well as a championship-winning paddling coach, whose career as a canoeing innovator and promoter has evolved with the expanding paddling sports market.
• Saturday
Signature Long-Distance Canoe Race Wa’a Kaukahi (single hull canoes)
7:30 a.m., Women and Mix 40+ start in Kailua Bay; 11:45 a.m., Men and Mix Open start in Honaunau Bay
The signature event begins with women and mixed crews starting the race paddling 18 miles from Kailua Bay to Honaunau. The men and Mix Open crews bring it back 18 miles to Kailua Bay. The Ironman division crews race the entire course — no changes.
7 p.m. Torchlight Parade
Torchlight parade through Historic Kailua Village. Race participants meet at Hale Halawai County Pavilion. Parade then winds its way through Historic Kailua Village ending at Kailua Pier.
• Sunday
7 a.m. at Kailua Pier
Teen (single hull canoes)
Four teen divisions (OC6-6 person crews) 14, 15, 16, 18 and under, Mix 18 and under. The young people paddling this race follow the same course as the double hull canoes.
Wa’a Kaulua (double hull canoes)
Crews of 12 paddlers lash together two single hull canoes to make the double hulls. Throughout the morning, the double hulls are raced in women, men and mix divisions.
OC1 (one person) &OC2 Races (two person)
The OC1 and OC2 canoe races are a recent addition to the more traditional racing events. The men and women paddling in this one follow the same course as the double-hull canoes.
Stand-up Paddleboard Race
Starting in Kailua Bay, the SUP race heads south and back to finish at the Kailua Pier. Stock boards race 3.5 miles. Boards are available for rent from the Hulakai booth on the pier or Kona Boys at Kamakahonu Bay.
• Monday
8 a.m., Kupuna Classic
Mix (3 Wahine/3 Kane) iron crews paddle to Banyans, turn and finish at the Kailua Pier.
