Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Races, August 28 – September 1, 2025
If you want to witness a growing sport, look no further than the 2025 Queen Lili’uokalani event, Labor Day weekend, when more than 2,500 paddlers will compete in five days of racing, including a growing number of juniors!
The Queen Lili’ (Queen Lili’ Highlight) is the world’s largest long-distance canoe race. And Hawaii’s Kona Coast will be buzzing with paddlers and spectators alike enjoying races for all ages plus other festivities—not to mention celebrating the spirit of o’hana.
As for the Juniors, Sunday, August 31, will feature a day full of Teen Single Hull, Double Hull, OC1/V1, OC2, and SUP races at Wa’a Kaulua, starting and finishing at the Kailua Pier. (See complete race schedule here.)
“With OHCRA (Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association) now close to 4,000 active members,” says Hawaiian race director and coach Micah Kalama, “we are seeing more and more young paddlers learning and competing on V1 rudderless as well as OC1 canoes. It’s great for the sport!”
Even people who aren’t competing or seeing the races live will have a chance to view them, thanks to Ocean Paddler TV, which will be armed with cameras, drones, and everything it takes to bring this remarkable spectacle into the homes (or cellphones and tablets) of countless outrigger enthusiasts.
This annual event is hosted by the Kai ‘Opua Canoe Club (www.kaiopua.org) along with the help of many other participating clubs and businesses, including ARE TAHITI, a proud sponsor.
“We are thrilled to see a great turnout, especially of juniors, showing up for Queen Lili’ this year,” says ARE TAHITI executive Francesca Altomonte. “It supports ARE’s mission to help grow the sport of outrigger canoeing.”
Visit https://qlcanoerace.com for complete event details and race history and www.aretahiti.com to learn more about ARE TAHITI canoes. Also, see what’s available at ShopOutrigger.com, your ultimate destination for everything a paddler might need, including canoes, clothing, and accessories.
