In a thrilling race at the 2025 Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai, AS Ihilani Va’a of French Polynesia claimed first place overall and first in the Glass: Women Open division. This marks the first time a women’s team from Tahiti has won this coveted race.
Finishing in less than six hours, AS Ihilani Va’a outlasted 72 other teams over the 41-mile course, from Moloka’i to Waikiki Beach in Oahu across the Ka’wi Channel. Team Bradley, which had won the last four titles, finished second. The winning team consisted of Vaimiti Maoni, Angie Dolan, Vehi Lanteires, Iloha Eychenne, Nateahi Sommer, Jeffy Hoffmann, Niniloa Arai, Healing Rauhuri, Donna Kahakui-Ching, and Jenna Kalei.
Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai has become a global championship, showcasing the skills and endurance of the top women paddlers from around the world—more than 1,000 in all. It is also a celebration of Hawaiian culture and canoe racing. The race has flourished for 45 years, thanks to valiant paddlers and the unwavering support of race supporters and volunteers, dedicated to perpetuating Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.
A History of Courageous Paddlers
And let’s not forget the persistence of early women’s teams who refused to heed to naysayers who claimed women couldn’t cross this grueling channel. Spoiler alert: Women have been doing just that since 1979, with speed and style. In fact, in 1975, two crews made the first “unofficial“ crossing to demonstrate that if men could cross the Ka’wi Channel, so could women.
ARE Tahiti has championed the efforts of women paddlers in Tahiti and Hawaii and was a corporate sponsor of this race. ARE Tahiti is also a proud sponsor of AS Ihilani Va’a, the winning outrigger in this race.
For a complete list of results, click here. To learn more about ARE TAHITI and its racing canoes, visit www.aretahiti.com. Or check out ShopOutrigger.com, your ultimate destination for everything a paddler might need, including canoes, clothing, and accessories.
