Hoe wa’a or Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling is a material part the Hawaiian islands and its people. I am lucky in that in my hometown, Waimea, Kauai, Hoe wa’a is part of everyday life. I get to observe it, first-hand, most days.
The Kilohana Canoe Club on Kauai is located where the Waimea River meets the Pacific Ocean. I live just a few houses west of the club on the river and on the ocean beach front. Kilohana Canoe Club is a non-profit organization that does many things that are beneficial to Waimea and its residents. In my opinion, involving kids of all ages in the discipline, is the best of what the Kilohana Canoe Club provides.
Last week, the 55th annual Prince Kuhio long distance outrigger canoe race hosted by the Kauai Outrigger Association took place. The 12 mile open ocean race is a big challenge. It covers the distance between Kalapaki Beach and Salt Pond Beach Park. The story in the Garden Island is located [here].
HOE WA’A WAIMEA 2025
Today the HOE WA’A Waimea 2025 event was held. Outrigger events of all types were held. The races are from the the Waimea River and the Waimea Public Fishing Pier to the breakwater of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and back.
The races are magnificent to watch. I decided to capture some images of the last race. It was of the youngster’s. These kids practice and train on the beach in front of my house. Linda, The Border Collies and I see them training throughout the year.
Open Ocean
The Open Ocean of Hawaii and the High Elevation Mountains of Idaho have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I utilize and celebrate them each and everyday in which I am present. I feel as if they are my front-yard and back-yard. However, both environments can be unforgiving and deadly. I always keep that in mind.
*** Jeff’s Thought’s and Worthless Trvia ***
I captured the images above using the Nikon Z9 camera and Nikon Z 400MM-560MM F2.8 Prime lens with Nikon 2X Telecoverter.
The subjects were 1/4 mile to 1 mile in the distance from the Waimea Fishing Pier.
While photographing, one of the teenagers that are part of the Kilohana Canoe Club, says hello to me. “I know you. You live in the green house next to the club with the lady named Linda and the two dogs Sage and Willow.” I half expected him to say “Aren’t you Kyle’s Dad? And what is your name?”
Nice!