Hawaiian, Kai Ewalu Capture State Paddling Crowns

By Fred Guzman

Hawaiian Canoe Club of Maui ended a two-year championship drought on Saturday, capturing the state paddling title with a decisive victory over two-time champ Lanikai of Oahu on the waters off Hanakaoo Beach in Lahaina.

It marked the ninth time in 11 years that the Kahului Harbor-based club took top honors in the event’s top tier.  Hawaiian, again capitalizing on its dominance of its keiki paddlers and winning six overall gold medals, finished with 366 points in the AAAA division.  Lanikai earned 307 points, followed by Kailua with 293.

Keauhou won in AAA, Puna Canoe Club took top honors in AA and Maui’s Kai Ewalu was first in the A division for smaller clubs.