The Pa’a `Eono Outrigger Race was historic as it was the first of its kind in recent times and helps bring back part of the history of canoe paddling. The 32-mile course started at Papokaku, Moloka’i, and finished at Maunalu Bay, O’ahu.It featured six-person canoes, much like the Moloka’i Hoe or Na Wahine O Ke Kai races. But in the ‘Eono Hoe, the same six paddlers were required to start and finish the race (in other long-distance races, each team is allowed to have three or four relief paddlers available in an escort boat).
In effect, it was a race of endurance and innovation.
The teams that did participate were treated to challenging conditions. Waves in the Kaiwi Channel were estimated to be in the 6 to 10 foot range. Only experienced paddlers and teams were allowed to enter. All 27 teams that entered the race were able to finish.
We were especially proud of the Master’s team from Kukui’ula Outrigger Club as they took first place in their division. Members of the Master’s team were Kenny Denton, Kalain Vierra, Arlen Williamson, Kamula Aea, Kawika Moniz and our very own Jonathan “JP” Parrish. They finished the race with a time of 4 hours, 40 minutes and 23 seconds, 12th overall. The Kukui’ula’s Open Men had an overall 11th place finish with a time of 4 hours, 39 minutes, 52 seconds. Congratulations to both teams you did an outstanding job in representing Kauai in this race.
Read more about it in Kauai’s The Garden Island newspaper article.