Event Info

As paddlers line up for the 2018 Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe races on the Labor Day weekend, Hawaii Canoe Racing Association members will also be competing for qualifying slots at the 2019 International Vaa Federation (IVF) World Distance Championships. The Queens Race near shore water conditions, distance and iron crews will be competing in similar conditions and distances as those at the IVF World Distance Championships. 

Hawaii crews will be vying in several Queens Race IVF sanctioned qualifying (6-person canoe) race divisions including the signature 18-mile race, and the Kupuna Classic for the 70+ age group. The highest placed Hawaiian crews in each division will represent Hawaii at the distance championships. This includes the Juniors, Open, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s divisions for both men and women.

The Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association will host the IVF World Distance Championships on the shores of Mooloolaba on Australias Sunshine Coast from August 9 through August 17, 2019.

"This is an exciting moment for outrigger canoe racing in Hawaii," said Kai Opua Canoe Club President Uncle Bo Campos. The iconic Queens Race is now the only Hawaii qualifier for the IVF World Distance Championships. We are looking forward to spirited completion so Hawaii is well represented against the more than 33 countries expected to participate."

Hawaii Canoe Racing Association paddlers and crews are encouraged to register online for the upcoming 2018 Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe races as the race is expected to draw large numbers of crews.

The 2018 Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Races will welcome paddlers from around the world for five days of exciting canoe racing on the Labor Day weekend (Thursday, August 30 through Monday, September 3). The signature 18-mile long distance race is slated for Saturday, September 1.