Gearing Up for Na Wahine O Ke Kai: Everything You Need to Know

In just a few weeks, thousands of paddlers will arrive on Moloka‘i — Hawaiʻi’s fifth largest island and the site of some of the world's longest reefs and highest sea cliffs — for the Na Wahine O Ke Kai Canoe Race. This race is more than just a competition: it's a celebration of strength, tradition, and the indomitable spirit of women (wahine in Native Hawaiian). Held annually across the challenging Moloka‘i Channel, which has been called "one of the most feared and respected bodies of water on this planet," this iconic race brings together female paddlers worldwide to test their endurance, teamwork, and connection to the ocean. Whether you're a local or a tourist, September 2024's race will be a spectacle to behold.

 

The World's Greatest Canoe Marathon: The History of the Na Wahine O Ke Kai Canoe Race

As one of the most prestigious events in the sport of outrigger canoeing, the women-only Na Wahine O Ke Kai race honors the rich Polynesian heritage of sea travel while showcasing the modern-day resilience and camaraderie of the marathon's participants. 

In 1952, there was an inaugural men's Moloka‘i-to-O‘ahu canoe race. At the time, race officials didn't believe women could manage the tides, winds, and unpredictable nature of the open ocean between "The Friendly Isle" (Moloka‘i) and "The Gathering Place" (O‘ahu). The wahine quickly proved them wrong, with the first Na Wahine O Ke Kai Canoe Race taking place in 1975 with two crews of 18 women. Decades later, last year's 2023 race saw more than 70 crews.

 

Dates, Times, and Key Events: What to know about the 2024 Na Wahine O Ke Kai Canoe Race

If you want to watch the 2024 Na Wahine O Ke Kai Canoe Race, the centrally located Waikiki Resort Hotel puts you right in the middle of the action as the paddlers come into O‘ahu racing towards the finish line in Waikiki:

  • 2024 Dates: September 29, 2024
  • Start Time: The race kicks off with a Native Hawaiian blessing at 7:25 am at Hale O Lono on Moloka‘i, with paddlers starting the race at 8 am (once the race begins, you can track the competitors' travel live online)
  • Finish Time: Paddlers will begin to arrive in Waikiki at approximately 1:30 pm, with the finish line set up at Duke Kahanamoku Beach (Hilton Hawaiian Village) — a short 25-minute stroll from the Waikiki Resort Hotel

Relax on Waikiki Beach and watch the paddlers come in with live Hawaiian music and an awards presentation on the sands fronting Hilton Hawaiian Village. The awards ceremony takes place at approximately 2:30 pm and continues until approximately 5 pm.

 

How to Race in the 2024 Na Wahine O Ke Kai

If you want to take part in this historic, culturally significant test of endurance, registration is open online until 11 am Hawaii time on Saturday, September 28, 2024. 

The race is a grueling 41-mile crossing on the open Pacific Ocean, so physical training and preparation are essential not just for your race time but for your safety, too:

  • Incorporate long paddling sessions, running, swimming, and other cardio exercises into your routine, along with strength training that focuses on legs, upper body, and core strength (paddling requires a full-body effort).
  • Work with experienced paddlers or coaches to refine your paddling technique — efficiency in stroke, timing, and body mechanics will conserve energy during the race between the islands.
  • Practice in various conditions, as the Moloka‘i Channel can be unpredictable with strong currents, winds, and large swells.
  • Optimize your team cohesion and communication, and spend time developing strong communication and synchronization during paddling to ensure seamless transitions and effective teamwork.

 

The Waikiki Resort Hotel Is the Perfect Home Base for Hawaii's Historic Canoe Race

Whether you want to watch the paddlers come in, or you want to compete in the canoe and kayak competition yourself, the Waikiki Resort Hotel is just minutes from this historic event's finish line. Book your stay at the Waikiki Resort Hotel online or call us at 1-800-367-5116 to see why our location, friendly staff, convenience, and amenities give us top ratings among our guests, whether they're visiting to compete or simply want to relax and soak up the Hawaiian sunshine.