About Competitive Paddling

Racing - About Competitive Paddling

I think one of the most beautiful things about paddling in a six-man or four-man or two-man is that you can't move that canoe by yourself. And you really learn the value of working together and being there for each other to make things move.
— Penny Martin, legendary Molokaʻi paddler, Hōkūleʻa crewmember, and 15-time Kaiwi Channel crosser

Keauhou Canoe Club’s racing program welcomes paddlers of all ages and skill levels — from keiki to kupuna — in the true spirit of aloha. As a member of Moku O Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Island chapter of the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA), our club competes across the island and beyond. 

Racing connects paddlers to a long tradition and to one another. Crews train together, travel together, and learn to move the canoe as one. The waʻa only moves well when six paddlers work in rhythm and trust one another. When you join the Keauhou racing program, you become part of a larger paddling ʻohana that stretches across clubs, islands, and generations

About the Program

Our racing teams participate in:
  • Regatta Season (May–August):
 Youth, men’s, women’s, and mixed crews race in age divisions across Hawaiʻi Island, with top teams advancing to the HCRA State Championships each August.  
  • Long Distance Season:
 Races throughout the year, including qualifiers for the Queen Liliʻuokalani Race — the world’s largest long-distance outrigger canoe race, held annually in Kailua-Kona.
  • International Racing:
 Keauhou paddlers have represented Hawaiʻi at international events including the World Sprints and other global competitions.
  • HIPA Season (November–March):
 Our paddlers also compete in OC-1, OC-2, and surfski races hosted by the Hawaiʻi Island Paddlesports Association and other venues statewide and on the mainland.

Here is a list of races that Keauhou Canoe Club is participating in this year.

Youth Racing

Our Youth Program includes:
  • Keiki Program from age 7-11. 
  • Youth Program from 12-18

See the Youth Program page for more information

Practice Schedule

See the Practice Schedule Page for more information.

Ready to Join?

We welcome new and experienced paddlers. Whether you're returning to racing or just beginning, there’s a place for you on our lineups. To get started or ask questions, send us an email at contactkeauhoucanoeclub@gmail.com.