A growing sport internationally, outrigger canoe paddling is a cultural treasure of historic significance in the Hawaiian Islands, and it has been designated the state’s official team sport. The first settlers of these islands paddled more than 2,000 miles to get here, relying on the stars to guide them. Today, the challenge and sport of outrigger canoe paddling is preserved through numerous clubs consisting of more than 2500 competitive paddlers throughout the state. Recreational paddlers add thousands to that count! Canoe Regattas are hosted annual May through September on various Saturdays at a number of locations. On Hawaii Island, catch the long distance racing action that takes place up and down the Kona-Kohala coastline on the following dates and at these locations — all within an easy 30 to 45 minute drive from Holualoa Inn: August 21, Honaunau; August 28, Waikoloa Beach Resort; September 4 & 5, Kailua-Kona to Honaunau; September 11, Waikoloa Beach Resort to Keauhou Bay. Kick back on our Holualoa Inn makai (ocean facing) lanais and view the regattas scheduled September 2010 without leaving “home”! You don’t have to compete or join a club to enjoy this exciting and challenging sport. A number of local experts provide instruction, canoes, guided tours and more, among them HYPR Nalu situated across from the pier in Kailua-Kona, and Kona Beach Boys located on the small beach fronting King Kamehameha Hotel in Kailua-Kona. For more information on outrigger canoe paddling and for an annual calendar of competitions phone (808) 324-1541 or online Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Association.
Innkeeper Holualoa Inn
