The Waikiki Insider: Fall 2013
As an avid canoe paddler throughout my high school and college years, the annual Na Wahine o Ke Kai and Moloka’i Hoe, the women’s and men’s, respectively, Moloka’i to O’ahu long distance canoe races in September and October, still fill me with anticipation and excitement all these many years later.
Na Wahine o Ke Kai celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. I was fortunate enough to have paddled in the very first women’s race in 1979. We all knew we were making history and will forever be grateful to a group of brave women pioneers who created the race for us, and future generations of women paddlers.
Photo: Courtesy Na Wahine O Ke Kai
The men’s Moloka’i Hoe, organized by the O’ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, is in its 61st year. Starting in 1952 with only three canoes, it has grown to become the most prestigious outrigger canoe race in the world.
Organizers anticipate more than 200 crews—and over 2,000 paddlers—will be competing in this year’s races, including clubs from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Guam, Tahiti and the continental U.S., as well as many Hawai’i teams from across the state.
The 41-mile, non-stop race from the island of Moloka’i to Waikiki, O’ahu, takes a crew of 10 paddlers an average of five to six hours to complete. Crew changes occur every 20-30 minutes in the open ocean, with paddlers in the canoe rolling over one side of the canoe as the rested paddlers are climbing in the canoe from the other side. Crews must endure intense training and preparation for months in order to complete the race. The crossing can be treacherous, and paddlers have been injured and some have even lost their lives during this race.
While the sport of outrigger canoe racing originated in Hawai’i, today it can be found all over world!
Be part of the excitement and welcome the canoes as they cross the finish line at Waikiki Beach, fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort.
THE 35TH ANNUAL NA WAHINE O KE KAI
Date: September 22, 2013
Start: 8:00 a.m., Hale O Lono Harbor, Moloka’i
End: Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki (Fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village)
Info: www.nawahineokekai.com
THE 61ST ANNUAL MOLOKA’I HOE
Date: October 13, 2013
Start: 8:00 a.m., Hale O Lono Harbor, Moloka’i
End: Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki (Fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village)
Info: www.molokaihoe.com
