34th Annual Na Wahini O Kekai Moloka`i to O`ahu

34th Annual Na Wahini O Kekai Moloka`i to O`ahu Canoe Race. Note overturned canoe to the left of the break. Photo courtesy of Brian Curll

34th Annual Na Wahini O Kekai Moloka`i to O`ahu

Four teams from Kaua`i participated in the 34th Annual Na Wahini O Kekai Moloka`i to O`ahu 40-mile Canoe Race on Sunday, September 23, marked by gnarly surf at the outset at Hale O Lono Harbor, the starting point.

Brian Curll, director of Pu`uwai Canoe Club, sent this email message with accompanying photos: “Rumor has it that 10 canoes for today’s race were not able to get out of the harbor mouth in time for the race start.  The photos make it more understandable, though I believe Pu`uwai Canoe Club Masters 50 women did get through after two or three attempts. I know they swamped at least once.”

Unofficial results show the winner was a Maui canoe club, Team Bradley, arriving at Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki in 6:14:47. The first finishing Kaua`i team was the Hanalei Canoe Club in 15th place, arriving in 7:03:46.