When we hear the word “Aloha!” we often think of the Hawaiian greeting for “hello” or “goodbye.” Yet the spirit of aloha is an entire way of being for Hawaiians. It encompasses positive energy, humility, connection of the heart and mind, respect for nature, and an openness to life’s adventures.
“Aito” is the Tahitian word for “warrior” or “brave.” Embracing a warrior attitude is about facing your fears, taming the water, and bringing out the best in yourself. This is how a paddler brings honor their family, club, community, and country.
When Christian Hauata-Marston, an elite outrigger paddler from Tahiti and owner of Tahiti Nui Bar-Hanalei in Kauai teamed up with his friend David Kalama, a lifelong outrigger paddler from Hawaii to launch this race ten years ago, along with their wives Vera Marston and Kimberly Kalama, they wanted a name that represented the virtues and strengths of both cultures.
They wanted to create a race devoted exclusively to rudderless va’a that would embody “aloha” and “aito” for paddlers from Hawaii, French Polynesia, and all over the world. Despite a four-year hiatus due to Covid, this race has turned into one of the most popular events in Hawaii.
The sixth annual Aloha Aito race will take place in Sand Island (Mauli Ola), in Oahu. The two-day event is expected to attract more than 500 paddlers from Hawaii, Tahiti, Canada, the United States, including members of the OPT, ARE Tahiti, and TIMI VA’A teams.
On March 8, 2025, the focus will be on V1 racing. The day will begin with the Kids’ Keiki course, which is under two miles, at 8:15 a.m. for kids who are 14 and under, 12 and under, and 10 and under. The short course, just under six miles, will begin at 9:30 a.m. for those in the 19 and under, 16 and under, Novice 40 and under, 50 and under, 60 and under and 70 and under. The 12-mile long-course long course will begin at 11:30 a.m.
On March 9, 2025, there will be an all-unlimited race from Hawaii Kai (Maunalua Bay) to Sand Island (Mauli Ola). The divisions for this race include Open, 40 and under, 50 and under, 60 under, and Juniors (15-19).
You may sign up for any of these races at https://tuarolife.com. Please register early to ensure canoes are available for everyone. If you’re flying into Hawaii for this event and need to borrow a canoe, please reach email the race director, Micah Kalama at Rdrlswaa@gmail.com.
And for those who cannot be there to participate or watch, Ocean Paddler TV will livestream all the action on both days.
The race will be hosted by the New Hope Canoe Club at Sand Island with the assistance from RDRLS Rudderless Hawaii Va’a, Healani Canoe, Team Olelo Canoe Club, Hawaiian Kanaktion, Honolulu Pearl Canoe Club, and other Oahu-based canoe clubs.
You will also be able to participate in a fun paddle with the top paddlers the day before Aloha Aito, which will provide an opportunity to preview the course. And there will be a great fireworks show in Waikiki that evening.
While you’re in Oahu, here is a list of the area’s top places to visit:
Pearl Harbor – take a step back in time to witness the inspiring stories of bravery that occurred at the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri during World War II.
Bishop Museum – immerse yourself in Hawaii’s history, culture, environment, and special evening planetarium shows.
Germaine’s Luau – savor Oahu’s original backyard-style family luau dinner where you’ll be welcomed with a Hawiian shell lei, a conch shell greeting and the Royal Court of Polynesia dancers.
Ululani’s Shave Ice – enjoy a refreshing shaved ice with a combination of flavored juices or syrups. This decadent treat is the perfect way to hydrate on a hot day.
North Shore – visit some of Oahu’s most iconic beaches, where you can watch experienced surfers drop in the Bonzai Pipeline and visit Laniakea Beach, Turtle Bay Beach, Laie Point State Wayside Park, Haleiwa Beach Park, and the Laie Hawaii Temple & Visitors’ Center
Shark Tours – experience the thrill of snorkeling with great white sharks, surrounded by a large, metal cage.
Waikiki Aquarium – get a close-up view of South Pacific marine life, eels, jelly fish, sharks, live coral reefs as well as seaweeds as well as Hawaiian plants.
Whipsaw Sport Fishing – go deep-sea fishing for Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), Pacific Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi and more. It’s an angler’s paradise off the waters of Oahu.
Try Scuba & Snorkeling – take a snorkeling class and explore the depths of Honolulu’s crystal-clear waters. Turn Aloha Aito into a race-cation you’ll never forget. Register for Aloha Aito here.
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