Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race
The world’s largest long distance canoe race was started in 1972 to fulfill a need, for a way to train for the grueling Na Wahine O Ke Kai (Women) and the Molokai Hoe (Men) – long distance canoe races from the island of Molokai to the island of Oahu.
The race was named in honor of the last reigning monarch of Hawai`i as the first race fell on Queen Liliuokalani’s birthday, September 2.
Since those early beginnings, the race has grown. Now there are two days of racing, with the first day being the single-hull canoe races, followed by double hull and one-person canoe races on Sunday.
Crews from Hawaii, the US mainland and around the world come to enter this world class event.
Held each year on Labor Day Weekend, the fun includes a torchlight parade and dance on Saturday night, and an awards luau on Sunday.
Go Sammy Girl and all our paddling ‘ohana!
The Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race is one of Kona’s must fun events. It’s an “all day”, fun, family time. The kids get to jump off the pier into the clear blue water of the Kailua Bay while the Aunties and Tutu’s have the grills going with Huli Chicken.
Bring your sunscreen, because after the race, the bar scene and trophy awards go on for a while, and it’s a real fun time.
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