MEDIA RELEASE
The Queen Liliuokalani Long-Distance Canoe Races are the world’s largest outrigger canoe races. This year marks the 38th year Kai Opua has sponsored these canoe races.
Saturday’s 18-mile races feature men (kane) and women (wahine) competing in their respective divisions, racing six-person crews (iron, no changes, no escort boats) and 9-person (non-iron, change) crews.
Sunday’s races are all 5-miles long with adults racing double-hull (12-persons) canoes, teens racing single hull (6-persons) and teens and adults racing OC-1, OC-2.
Saturday Race Divisions and Age Requirements
Open – All ages (all Iron)
Masters – 40 years old +
Senior Masters – 50 years old +
Golden Masters – 55 years old +
Grand Masters – 60 years old +
Saturday Schedule
Staggered starts with Iron first and Non-Iron crews 15 minutes later.
7:30 a.m. – Wahine Race – Kailua to Honaunau, 18 miles
11:45 a.m. – Kane Race – Honaunau to Kailua, 18 miles
3 p.m. – Award presentations for all Saturday races at Kamakahonu Bay, by King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.
6:30 p.m. – Torchlight parade of paddlers from Hale Halawai Center to Kailua Pier.
Sunday Race Divisions and Age Requirements
Double Hull – Age Groups – same as above
OC-1 & 2 – Age Groups (18-29) (30-39) (40-49) (50-59) (60+); Teens (15 & under, 16 & under, 18 and under)
Sunday Schedule
All Races start at Kailua – turn before Lyman’s – back to Kailua times subject to change
8:30 a.m. – Teen girls, OC-6
8:45 a.m. – Kane & Teen Boys, OC-1, OC-2
9 a.m. – Wahine, Double Hull
10 a.m. – Teen Boys, OC-6
10:30 a.m. – Kane & Mixed, Double-Hull
10:35 a.m. – Wahine, Teen Girls and Mixed, OC-1, OC-2
2 p.m. – Award presentations for all Sunday races at Old Kona Airport Events Pavilion. Luau for paddlers, race officials and families. Paddlers’ luau tickets are included with the entry fee.
All others may purchase tickets at the Kai Opua Registration Desk or at the luau door.
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