Maui’s 2024 Waʻa Kiakahi Canoe Festival returns to Kāʻanapali, May 17-19

The 18th annual Waʻa Kiakahi will return to Maui’s Kā‘anapali Beach, May 17-19, welcoming 10 six-member crews from all islands to share with the public the history and proficiency of traditional Hawaiian sailing canoes.

Created by the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association (HCSA), the three-day event features traditional ceremonies, sailing canoe rides and educational talks about celestial navigation and water skills. HCSA conducts its races in the same mode as ancient Hawaiians: sailors do not make crew changes, and they travel every channel connecting the Hawaiian Islands.

Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association is the title sponsor of the event, and the public is invited to interact with the canoes and sailors on Kā‘anapali Beach. Visitors and locals will have the opportunity to meet the sailors and take a free ride in a sailing canoe on Saturday. There is no age requirement to go out, and life jackets will be provided for non-swimmers.

Event Schedule:

• Friday, May 17
  • 12 p.m. Race start from Kahului Harbor. Crews race approximately 27 miles to Kā‘anapali.
  • 2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Race completion at Outrigger Kā’anapali Beach Resort, Kā‘anapali Beach. Arrival of sailing canoes with a traditional Hawaiian welcome ceremony. (Arrival time dependent on weather and sea conditions).
• Saturday, May 18
  • 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Free sailing canoe rides for all ages (weather and sea conditions permitting), “talk story” opportunities with race team members, and demonstrations, all happening in front of Outrigger Kā’anapali Beach Resort.
• Sunday, May 19
  • 7:45 a.m. A traditional Hawaiian farewell ceremony will take place followed by the race start from Kā‘anapali Beach at 8 a.m. Crews will race from Kā‘anapali to Waimanalo, Oʻahu, approximately 72 miles.

The participating teams for 2024 are:

1. Olukai, Kaua‘i
2. Outrigger Kā’anapali Beach Resort, Maui
3. Maui Jim, Kaua‘i
4. Hui Nalu Canoe Club #1, O‘ahu
5. Hui Nalu Canoe Club #2, O‘ahu
6. Kāʻanapali Beach Resort Association, Maui
7. Auwahi Wind, O‘ahu
8. Outrigger Canoe Club, Oʻahu
9. La’amaumau, Oʻahu
10. Ho’omana’o, Oʻahu

“Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association is proud to continue its position as title sponsor for Wa’a Kiakahi,” said Shelley Kekuna, executive director for the Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association. “With Kā‘anapali Beach Resort attracting so many visitors wanting to combine fun and Hawaiian culture, partnering with an event that’s focused on the public education of a sport tied to ancient transportation, is a natural fit.”

The mission of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association is to learn, revive, educate and practice the ancient Hawaiian skills and values as they relate to sailing canoes and the Hawaiian culture. HSCA is the only Hawaiian sailing canoe association in the world and is celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2024.