Queen Lili'uokalani Outrigger Canoe Race in Kailua-Kona 2008

When it comes to sheer size the Queen Lili'uokalani Outrigger Canoe Race in Kailua-Kona was without equal - it's the largest long-distance outrigger paddling challenge in the world.  Two thousand five hundred paddlers come from all over the world (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Florida, California and Canada, to name just a few) to the Big Island for this strenuous course which covers the 18 miles between Kailua and Honaunau. The paddlers compete in fiberglass canoes of various designs, including a special division made up of Koa canoes. The age divisions for Saturday's races ranged from 18 year-olds to those in their seventies. Those competing in the "Open" Division paddle "iron" - meaning that they have no escort boat and use the same six people for all 18 miles.  Others can compete as a team of 9 and change out periodically.

On Sunday, the men and the women tie together two single hull canoes to make the double hulls, and the women and the mixed double hulls start, taking the Wa’a (canoes) 2.5 miles South to Lyman’s, turn there and return to Kailua Bay for a total of five miles.

Kawaikini entered a team of 6 to compete in the "iron" division. on August 30th, 2008.

Stephanie, Jakki, Midori, Amanda, Victory, & Shirley placed  44th with a time of  2:37:51 in the Open Iron 18 Mile Race.

Nazira & Pua placed 1^st in Double Hull Golden Masters.  They have a nice Gold medal to show off

Dawn & Francis won 3^rd in Double Hull Sr. Masters.  They have an ice Bronze medal to show off.

It was an amazing experience and we can't wait to do it again next year!  We are working on putting in two teams this time!

Click here to visit the hosting website for information about this current year's event