THE KAUAʻI WORLD CHALLENGE IS BACK!
Saturday May 16th, 2026
32 MILES | OC1 & OC2 RELAY
Kapa’a ⇢ Hanama’ulu
Hanama’ulu ⇢ Kalapakī
Kalapakī ⇢ Po'ipū
Po'ipū ⇢ Port Allen
About Us
Kauai Hoe Wa’a Association (KHWA) is a non-profit (501c3) outrigger canoe racing group that hosts 10 events each year, from October through May, for the Garden Island’s OC1, OC2, and V1 paddlers. KHWA strives to perpetuate and share the foundational base that outrigger canoes occupy in Hawaiian culture, as well as working to promote camaraderie, sportsmanship, and ocean safety among its paddlers.
The Association aims to provide paddlers of all ages and abilities not only the opportunity to experience and learn about the Hawaiian sport and culture of outrigger canoe paddling, but especially to be educated in ocean safety skills so that they may be passed down from generation to generation.
2026 Race Schedule
To register or view results visit our WEBSCORER PAGE
Race 1 - 1/3/26
Race 2 - 1/18/26
Race 3 - 2/8/26 (cancelled)
Race 4 - 2/28/26
Race 5 - 3/22/26
Race 6 - 4/12/26
Kaua’i World Challenge - 5/16/26
2026 Kauai World Challenge Sponsors
Capt Andy's Sailing Adventures has been a steady supporter of Kauaʻi's paddling community for years, and this year is no exception. Based in Port Allen, their team runs Nā Pali Coast catamaran and raft tours and shows up for the ocean community well beyond the water. Their sponsorship of the Kauai World Challenge helps make it possible for KHWA to offer free registration to all paddlers 18 and under, keeping the sport open, inclusive, and rooted in respect for the ocean that sustains us all. As a 1% for the Planet member, their commitment extends year-round to nonprofits protecting the coastlines and watersheds that paddlers depend on.
Outrigger Zone has been building canoes, surfskis, and paddles for over 20 years, and their commitment to the sport runs deeper than product lines. Driven by a mission to bring outrigger canoes, surfskis, and paddles to paddlers worldwide that are lighter, stronger, faster, and more accessible, Ozone partners with designers including Fai Va'a, Kai Wa'a, Mike Giblin, Puakea Designs, and Palafamala, all accomplished paddlers driven by performance and quality. Their sponsorship of the Kauai World Challenge reflects that same commitment to growing the sport from the ground up.
Hanalei Surf Co. has been part of Kauaʻi's Kauaʻi's ocean community longer than almost anyone. Founded by Charlie Cowden in 1982, the shop grew out of a genuine love for water sports and has spent over four decades earning its title as the original surf shop on the island. Their sponsorship of the Kauai World Challenge is a natural extension of that legacy, helping KHWA keep the sport open and rooted in the same community spirit that has defined the North Shore since the beginning
King Auto Center has been a fixture in Lihue for more than 34 years, serving the island of Kauaʻi with Honda and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealerships and a commitment to the community that goes well beyond the lot. Their sponsorship of the Kauai World Challenge reflects the kind of long-term investment in Kauaʻi that has kept them a trusted name on the island for over three decades, and we're grateful to have them behind the race.
Kauai Island Brewing Co. has made Kauaʻi home. The world's westernmost brewery, with locations in Port Allen and Koloa Village, they've spent over a 25 years crafting beers that tell a unique story of Kauaʻi and building a spot where community naturally gathers. We're excited to welcome them as a first-time sponsor of the Kauai World Challenge, and even more excited to close out race day at their Port Allen location for the official after party.