Parking is available at the start, finish, and each of the legs along the race course. The race start at Kapa’a Beach Park is on the makai side of the Kapa’a ballpark, and there is a small parking lot where the registration tent will be located, as well as along a number of adjacent streets, and along the highway in Kapa’a town. Hanama’ulu, Kalapaki Beach, Poipu Beach, and the finish at Port Allen all have ample parking but it goes fast. Maps of these locations and nearby parking will be available at the pre-race dinner at Niumalu Canoe Club, at the registration tent in Kapa’a on race day, and on this website.

Each leg of the Kaua’i World Challenge has its own timetable, based on wind speed, wind direction, and the ocean currents at a given hour. In a regular race, each paddler attempts to get down the course as fast as they can, but what is different about the KWC is that your relay partner ashore is in a race of their own — to jump in a car and navigate through traffic to reach the next beach on the course, park, and be to the water’s edge for the change. In typical tradewind conditions, the first leg from Kapa’a to Hanama’ulu (miles) usually takes the average paddler about 45 - 50 minutes. Hanama’ulu to Kalapaki Beach (5 miles) averages 35  - 45 minutes. Kalapaki Beach to Poipu Beach (11 miles) typically takes most paddlers about 1hr30 minutes. The final leg from Poipu Beach to Port Allen (9.5 miles) clocks in at around 1hr15 for most paddlers.

No, you must paddle the same canoe you start on for the duration of the race. Only seats can be changed.

Yes, it is mandatory that all paddlers have on their canoe at all times a leash, a spare paddle securely attached to the rear i’ako, and the high-visibility official KWC race jersey. All canoes will be inspected prior to the race start, and at the changes at each beach/leg along the way, as well as when each canoe crosses the finish line. Any paddler or canoe not in compliance with these safety regulations will have 10 minutes added to the finish time. No exceptions.

Not having at all times on board the race canoe a leash, a spare paddle, the high-vis official KWC race jersey will incur a 10-minute time penalty. Other time penalties would be given to paddlers switching canoes, or ‘creeping up’ ahead of the start line beyond the official escort vessel that denotes the starting line.

Searching a crowded parking area for your shuttle car can be confusing, and over the years KWC paddlers have found that the best way to avoid anxiety is to carefully prepare and communicate with your relay partner(s). A bit of notepaper, handed to the paddler hitting the beach at a relay station, with a sketch showing where the car is parked (and the license plate number if your shuttle vehicle is a rental car) helps, or if you each have your mobile phones, a photo showing the location of the parked car texted to your relay partner will usually quickly orient the beached paddler hunting for their ride to the next stop. Don’t forget to arrange the car key hand-off, too!

For paddlers that have run out of gas, or feel unwell, who want to pull out of the race at any point, the important thing is to let someone know what your plan is and where you decide to come in at. Waving your paddle overhead in sight of an escort vessel is the first course of action you should take. They will assess the situation and help you if you need it, and also communicate with the other race officials so that everyone knows what is going on. If you aren’t sick, injured, or having other health issues and just want to pull out, all the escort vessels and race officials still need to know your status and whereabouts, even if you end up coming in at one of the designated race leg landings and pull your canoe out there. KHWA always recommends keeping your phone or other communication device, like a marine VHF radio, with you on your canoe.