6 Facts About the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race

More than just a competition, the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race is a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and the enduring power of teamwork. Held annually on the stunning Kona Coast of Hawaiʻi, this event is the world's largest long-distance outrigger canoe race. It draws thousands of paddlers from around the globe to honor the legacy of Hawaiʻi's last reigning monarch.

Here are six key facts that make this race a truly remarkable experience.

1. It Started as a Training Day

While it's now a major international event, the Queen's Race began with humble origins. Founded in 1972 by the Kai ʻOpua Canoe Club, the race was originally designed as a practice run. It served as a training event for the world's two most prestigious outrigger canoe races: the Molokaʻi Hoe (for men) and Na Wahine O Ke Kai (for women), both of which involve a grueling channel crossing between the islands of Molokaʻi and Oʻahu.

2. It Honors Queen Liliʻuokalani's Birthday

The race is named in tribute to Queen Liliʻuokalani, a monarch celebrated for her steadfast love of her people and her efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture. The first race was intentionally scheduled to coincide with her birthday, September 2nd, a date that continues to be a central part of the annual Labor Day weekend festivities.

3. The Main Event is an 18-Mile "Iron" Race

The signature event is an 18-mile long-distance race along the coastline of the Big Island. The most challenging part for many competitors is that the race is an "iron" course, meaning teams paddle the entire distance with no crew changes. The course starts in Kailua Bay and heads south to the historic Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a journey that tests both physical and mental endurance.

4. It's the Largest of its Kind in the World

From its small beginnings with just a few crews, the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race has grown exponentially. It now attracts over 2,500 paddlers from around the world, representing countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Canada, in addition to teams from all over the Hawaiian Islands and the U.S. mainland. The sheer scale of the event is a testament to the global appeal of outrigger canoeing and Hawaiian culture.

5. The Race Route is Historically Significant

Paddlers don’t just race against the clock; they journey through history. The course passes by several sacred and historically significant sites, including the former residence of King Kamehameha I at Kamakahonu and the place of refuge at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau. This connection to the land and the past adds a profound layer of meaning to the physical challenge.

6. It's a Multi-Day Cultural Festival

The Queen's Race is far more than a single day on the water. The event spans several days, featuring a full cultural experience. In addition to the long-distance races, the weekend includes a torchlight parade down Aliʻi Drive, a luau, an arts and crafts festival, and various other paddling events, including races for junior paddlers, stand-up paddleboarders, and masters (kupuna) crews. It's a true community celebration that brings people together to share in the spirit of aloha and the love of the ocean.