On April 28, local businesses and organizations from around Maui will compete in the Pau Hana Industry Races at Hanakao‘o Beach Park

LAHAINA – Spring is in the air, and that can only mean one thing: Lahaina Canoe Club’s annual fundraiser, the Pau Hana Industry Races (formerly Restaurant Races).

On Saturday morning, April 28, local businesses and organizations from around Maui will come together at Hanakao’o Beach Park (Canoe Beach) to compete in a quarter-mile outrigger regatta to vie for the coveted engraved paddle trophy, which they may hang in their place of business.

This event is great for team building. E-mail info@lahainacanoeclub.com for more information.

The event format includes any local business that can sit five paddlers in a canoe – thus, the “Industry Races” – and who doesn’t appreciate a pau hana?

There are divisions for everyone; boys and girls, novice to experienced, mixed crews and manager events.

Feeling strong? King & Queen of the Beach is for you! This is a single-person outrigger pull with a steersperson for the title and bragging rights for a year.

Pre-registered teams include include Hula Grill, Diamond Resorts, Ritz-Carlton, Aston Maui, Ali’i Maui Outriggers, Cool Cats, Plantation House, Castaway Cafe, Hyatt Regency Maui, Old Lahaina Luau, Lae Ula O Kai Canoe Club, Merriman’s, and Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort.

Sponsors include Maui Jim, Island Press Coffee, and Taverna, among others.

During the regatta, participants will win items provided by these sponsors through random drawing by the emcee.

Just by being a paddler, you will be entered in the drawing.

If your company would like to donate door prizes and be recognized as a sponsor to Lahaina Canoe Club, contact the club.

Food and merchandise vendors include Aloha Kacoffeeaka, Sea+Love, Teppanyaki2Go, LovesLoLani Jewelry and Anuenue Designs Maui.

Pre-registration is currently available, or register the day of the event at 8 a.m. If you are interested in getting involved with Lahaina Canoe Club’s Pau Hana Industry Races, contact LCC at info@lahainacanoeclub.com.

Now is the perfect time to get involved with a canoe club, and Lahaina Canoe Club would like to invite anyone interested in paddling outrigger canoes to come down to Hanakao’o Beach Park and talk story.

Historically a family sport, canoe regattas welcome paddlers from eight years to 70, beginners to experienced paddlers, keiki and adult.

The primary purpose at Lahaina Canoe Club is the education, perpetuation and practice of Hawaiian culture through canoe paddling.

This means learning about the many aspects of the canoe, or wa’a, its history and meaning to the Hawaiian people as well as the technical aspects of outrigger canoe paddling.

Canoe paddling is a healthy and adventurous activity where one can meet new people and see and do exciting things.

The sprint/regatta season runs from April to early August and offers post-season events for those with experience.

From an intimate regatta in Hana to statewide regatta championships to inter-island channel crossings, outrigger canoe paddling offers something for almost everyone. If you are looking for an opportunity to get involved in the Hawaiian canoe culture or have paddling experience and need an invitation, this is it!

Come down to Hanakao’o Beach Park at 7 a.m. or 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday or Thursday, Saturday at 8 a.m. for talk story and perhaps a paddle, or contact LCC at info@lahainacanoeclub.com.