Maui Outrigger Canoe Championships

Aloha,

This past weekend was the Maui island canoe championship races at Kahului Harbor.  Na Kai Ewalu Canoe Club hosted the 2013 MCHCA Championships.  At the end of Regatta season, all the clubs on each island have their island wide championships to compete  for the State races.  It was a hot, hot day with little wind, normally the trades blow at the harbor.
Championships are  fun times of tough competition,  and alot of Aloha spirit.  Folks gather early for morning blessings  to start the races. The lanes are set in the harbor and the canoes line up waiting for the green flag. What a rush it is!! I used to paddle for Hawaiian Canoe Club and my seat was the Stroker of the boat. The person who sits in seat #1  sets the pace for the race. Getting a 400# canoe  going from a dead stop to flying across the water takes alot of strength, team effort, and  proper technique .

My guests at Hale Ho'okipa Inn   Olivier and Jo Mischon, came to the races, helped out,and took photos. Mahalo Oli, I am happy to post these great shots.

 The Koa Canoe of Hawaiian Canoe Club is important to the ohana (family). Koa canoes are a work of love, taking many months and many hands  to complete. Sitting in a Koa canoe at the race start line always made me feel emotions way beyond race jitters... a bit awestruck and very blessed.

We were working at this race. My daughter from the Big Island brought her goods over to set up a booth . Moku Nui has beautiful parreo, t-shirts, hats and paddle gear. A sweet model showing off her new hat posed for us. Island clothing made for island life style with Polynesian print is quite popular . Moku Nui means, Big Island. Endless Summer Surf Shop in Honokahau Harbor is just opening and will be carrying Moku Nui gear. Check em out if you are in Kona. The shop is shaping up to have all sorts of great goods, and, you can look into some dives with Sunlight on Water while you are there. That will be another post  soon, as their photos and snorkel trips are amazing!

All in all, it was a great day, and wonderful to be with family and friends, enjoy the races, sell some gear and feel grateful for all the wonders, natural beauty and good folks of Hawaii.

Aloha,
Cherie