HILO — History happens in moments stretched across time.

HILO — History happens in moments stretched across time.

Under a sunny Maui sky 11 months ago, two groups of 12-year-old Kona girls raced on the grandest stage at state championships. Kai ‘Ehitu finished second, with Kai ‘Opua crossing the line just eight seconds behind. With 80% of those girls competing against each other back for this season, the competitive rivalry has intensified.

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Kai ‘Opua has been dominating the Girls 13 division. That streak ended this weekend in Hilo as Kai ‘Ehitu won by a single second. Capri Alapai, Anela Espinoza, Tahia Hing, Ke’ala Kahananui, Tristen Kainoa and La’akea Kamaka helped secure gold for the first time all season. All 12 girls seem destined to meet again at the state championships for another dramatic conclusion to their summer.

Hilo Bayfront serves as a natural Hawaiian amphitheater, offering spectators excellent viewing opportunities from both the north side near the Wailuku River and the south side by the Wailoa River. Nestled within protected Hilo Bay, the venue provides a stunning backdrop for Keaukaha Canoe Club’s regatta course, marked by 14 evenly spaced flags stretching across the water.

Founded during the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s, Keaukaha Canoe Club has deep cultural roots in Hilo. Unlike Kona regattas, where paddlers gather beneath rows of team tents lining the pier, many Hilo canoe clubs maintain independent beachfront halau that house their prized koa canoes.

Paddlers of Laka Canoe Club boasts a rich connection to many of the athletes competing on the course. During a livestream broadcast by Big Wave Media Hawaii, Coach Pua shared that her father carved several koa canoes that are still raced today. One of those canoes, Makaleka, continues to carry keiki paddlers from her club as they chase a podium finish in the Girls 13 division.

A hot Hawaiian sun lingered over Hilo Bayfront throughout Saturday as nearly 1,200 paddlers gathered around team tents and crew canoes. Athletes from across the island prepared for the second Hilo regatta of the season and the fifth event overall in an eight-regatta schedule running from May through August.

The competitive pressures are mounting , as more races are being decided by razor-thin margins. Twenty-four races finished within five seconds of the top-two crews this time around, five more than the previous regatta.

Some of the fastest times recorded statewide this season were posted in Hilo under hot conditions and steady light-to-moderate trade winds. Those favorable waters helped several crews establish the fastest times in Hawaii in their respective divisions, including Keoua Girls 10, Puna Girls 12, Kai ‘Ehitu Mixed 12, Kai ‘Ehitu Girls 13, and Kawaihae Boys 13. These Big Island crews currently sit atop their state rankings.

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Kai ‘Ehitu Boys 16 delivered their fifth consecutive dominant performance, posting the largest winning margin of the day with a 31-second gap over second-place Keaukaha. Bently Balanga, Tautau Hing, Kamuela Kainoa, Trevor Podry, Oliver Powers and Gavin Schwartzkopf showcased the skill and discipline developed through their training with Kai ‘Ehitu and Big Island Jr. Va‘a.

Several undefeated crews remained atop the standings, including Keoua Canoe Club in the Mixed 40s division. After strong performances throughout last season and a steady showing at the State Championships, Brittany Caporrimo, Trey Green, Jene’ Green, Bugz Luta, Chris Runnells and Des Seaver have continued their success. The same six paddlers have raced together in every regatta dating back to last season, demonstrating remarkable unity for the South Kona club.

A full list of undefeated teams, largest winning margins and closest races can be found at https://substack.com/@ocjuan

Puna will host the penultimate canoe club-sponsored regatta as championship season approaches. Crews will compete for the Auntie Maile Island Championships on July 18 and hope to qualify to represent their crew, club, and community at the State Championships on O‘ahu on August 1.

Every point now matters. Clubs are carefully tracking standings, knowing that a single turn, penalty, or disqualification can determine who advances. The top three finishers in each division earn invitations to compete at the State Championships.

Next week’s regatta returns to Hilo Bayfront on Saturday morning. Races will be streamed live throughout the day by Big Wave Media Hawaii beginning at approximately 8 a.m.

Crews and fans can expect an unforgettable conclusion filled with both hope and heartbreak as paddlers put their pride on the line, digging deeper with every stroke to prove the value of months of training during the regatta racing season.

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