Starting in 2023, regattas could not be held in Kailua Bay due to functional problems with the previous race course. Recognizing how important a Kona-side course is for paddlers, families, and the broader community, three local canoe clubs — Keauhou Canoe Club, Kai ʻOpua Canoe Club, and Kai ʻEhitu Outrigger Team — came together with the MOKU O Hawaiʻi  Outrigger Canoe Racing Association to rebuild the Kailua Bay Regatta Course.

The project required extensive coordination and permitting, involving multiple state and federal agencies. Community members, engineers, marine contractors, and local businesses donated time, expertise, and materials to help make the course possible.

Thanks to this combined effort, the new course is being installed in time for the 2026 regatta season, bringing sprint racing back to Kailua Bay.

A Community Effort

The new regatta course is designed as a 16-lane sprint course that will support:

• MOKU O Hawaiʻi regattas

• Youth and adult racing divisions

• Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) high school paddling events

• Community paddling programs throughout the year

Regattas are one of the few sporting events where keiki, adults, and kūpuna can all compete on the same day on the same course, celebrating the traditions of Hawaiian canoe paddling.

Help Support the Kailua Bay Regatta Course

While construction is underway and the course will be ready for racing this season, fundraising is still ongoing to cover remaining costs, permitting, installation, insurance, and long-term maintenance.

If you would like to help support this community effort, please consider making a donation.

Here is the link to the project's Go Fund Me page.
Or you can donate to the project via Keauhou's "Donations" page.

Every contribution helps ensure that regatta racing can continue in Kailua Bay for generations of paddlers to come.