HILO — The culmination of the 2026 Big Island paddling regatta season took place last weekend in Hilo Bay.

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HILO — The culmination of the 2026 Big Island paddling regatta season took place last weekend in Hilo Bay.

The Aunty Maile Moku O Hawaii Championship regatta, the final chance for local crews to qualify for the state regatta on Aug. 1 on Oahu, was held Saturday at Hilo Akiona Course — and an environment of fierce competition and celebration of culture radiated throughout the near-1,300 paddlers that braved the East Hawaii waters.

Typically, the top-three crews in each division that have collected the most points throughout the season qualify for states.

While Saturday was certainly a championship stage, the day also honored Hawaii tradition and community. The iconic local regatta is named after Aunty Maile Mauhili, one of the most influential paddlers and figures in Hawaii paddling history. For over half a century in Hawaii, Mauhili was a central figure in the sport — serving as a paddler, coach, official, mentor and supporter of local culture.

For many racers, paddling is more than just a competition — it’s a representation of respect for the ocean, upholding traditions and working together as one. Mauhili embodied all of these values, which is part of why the yearly event was named after her in 1984. Mauhili dedicated herself to helping generations of paddlers and fostering traditions within the sport.

With Saturday’s regatta being paddlers’ last chance for punching a ticket to states, competitors naturally came ready to empty the tank and give it their all out on the water. For Kai ‘Ehitu Outrigger Team, the Kona-based club that has dominated the regattas all season — it was business as usual. The red and white squad amassed a season-high 288 points in the Division AAA competition (31-46 events), the most of any Big Island club for the eighth time in 2026.

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Kai ‘Ehitu, known for its strong keiki programs, dominated in the youth divisions as usual. The club’s men’s novice team of Martin Kamaka, Kela Brown, Kauila Hoohuli, X Rose, Jacob Souza and Sir Thomas Beckett raced the fastest quarter-mile bout of the day in 1:39.30, while Jai Gamagag, Jude Daniels, Kekupukoa Naeole-Starkey, Markus Lizarraga, Kuhao Puhi and Kala‘e Ho of the boys 18-and-under division raced the fastest half mile (3:35.48).

In total, Kai ‘Ehitu won 20 total divisional races throughout the morning and afternoon, with additional victories in the boys 10 (2:19.85), boys 12 (2:08.77), mixed boys and girls 12 (2:04.05), girls 13 (1:59.94), girls 14 (2:02.38), boys 14 (1:46.24), mixed novice B (1:50.20), boys 15 (3:49.21), boys 16 and under (3:37.06), mixed 18 (4:05.46), men’s novice A (3:43.86), men’s freshmen (3:37.67), women’s sophomore (4:19.14), men senior (11:15.34), men’s masters 40 (3:36.63), senior women’s masters 50 (4:24.38), senior men’s masters 50 (3:45.68) and the men’s open four divisions (3:41.95).

Heading into Ke‘ehi Lagoon in two weekends, Kai ‘Ehitu is expected to make noise in Division AAA at the state races.

Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club logged the highest final score of 178 points in Division AA, which has 15-30 events. The club won four gold medals — in the girls 10 (2:23.69), women’s novice A (4:26.67), women freshmen (4:17.23) and mixed masters 40 divisions (3:48.83).

In Division A (1-14 events), Hoemana won once again with 36 points.

Keaukaha Canoe Club’s men’s junior team of Kama Leeloy, Jeremy Padayao, Tyler Makaiwi, Golden Boy Pila, Eha Kiyuna and Rob Whitney Jr. raced the fastest mile time — crossing the finish line at the 7:27.04 mark.

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See the paper next month for state regatta coverage.

Club results

Division AAA (31-46 events)

1. Kai ‘Ehitu Outrigger Team, 288 points

2. Kawaihae Canoe Club, 211 points

3. Puna Canoe Club, 208 points

4. Keaukaha Canoe Club, 143 points

5, Kamehameha Canoe Club – Hilo, 122 points

Division AA (15-30 events)

1. Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club, 178 points

2. Kai Opua Canoe Club, 127 points

3. Hui Wa‘a ‘O Waiakea, 127 points

4. Waikoloa Canoe Club, 91 points

5. Keauhou Canoe Club, 41 points

Division A (1-14 events)

1. Hoemana, 36 points

2. Paddlers of Laka, 22 points

3. Na Wa‘a Hanakahi, 19 points

4. Kailana Canoe Club, 3 points