KAANAPALI — The 16th annual Wa’a Kiakahi will grace Maui shores from June 3 to 5, welcoming 8 six-member crews from all islands to share with the public the history and proficiency of traditional Hawaiian sailing canoes.

Created by the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association (HCSA), the three-day event features traditional ceremonies, sailing canoe rides and educational talks about celestial navigation and water skills. HCSA conducts its races in the same mode as ancient Hawaiians: sailors do not make crew changes, and they travel every channel connecting the Hawaiian Islands.

Kaanapali Beach Resort Association (KBRA) is the title sponsor of the event, and the public is invited to interact with the canoes and sailors on Kaanapali Beach.

On Friday, June 3, at 11:30 a.m., the race starts from Kahului Harbor. Crews race approximately 27 miles to Kaanapali. Race completion is expected around 3 p.m. at Whalers Village. Arrival of sailing canoes will be greeted with a traditional Hawaiian welcome ceremony. (Arrival time is dependent on weather and sea conditions; updated information provided at https://kaanapaliresort.com/waa-kiakahi-perpetuates-islands-sailing-canoe-legacy-2022/.)

On Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be free sailing canoe rides for all ages (weather and sea conditions permitting), “talk story” opportunities with race team members, and demonstrations, all happening in front of Whalers Village and Hula Grill Restaurant.

On Sunday, June 5, at 8 a.m., the race starts from Kaanapali Beach. After a sailing canoe send-off and traditional Hawaiian farewell ceremony, crews will race approximately 72 miles to Waimanalo on Oahu.

Sunday’s 72-mile race will be the first time in over 15 years that crews will follow this race course. Starting at Kaanapali Beach, the crews will first cross the Pailolo Channel, which is known for it blustery winds and high seas. Then the crews sail between Lanai and Molokai — this can be a slow sail due to the high mountain range on Molokai that blocks the wind in the channel. Crews will sail close to Lanai and slowly make their way to the southwest point of Molokai (La’au Point). Once past La’au Point, the wind picks up in the Kaiwi Channel, and from there it’s a broad reach to Waimanalo, Oahu.

The participating teams for 2022 are Olukai (Kauai), Kaanapali Beach Hotel (Maui), Maui Jim (Kauai), Aston Whaler (Oahu), Hui Nalu Canoe Club (Oahu), Molokai Canoe Club (Molokai), Kaanapali Beach Resort Association (Maui) and Auwahi Wind (Oahu).

The public will get a chance to meet the sailors and to take a free ride in a sailing canoe on Saturday. There is no age requirement to go out, and life jackets will be provided for non-swimmers.

“After a two-year hiatus, we’re honored to once again host the Wa’a Kiakaha for the 16th year,” said Shelley Kekuna, KBRA executive director.

“From the start, we felt it was important to share the tradition of sailing canoes with the general public. We’re proud to be the host venue and sponsor.”

For more information, visit https://hsca.info/.