Duke is one of the many beloved Hawaiians who’s spirit lives on with us and is celebrated every August with numerous water sports, all of which he excelled in.
It was a beautiful, windy day, and our seven mile course from Kailua out around Mokolea Rock then back around Flat Island was challenging with 10-15 knot winds and 6-100 foot seas. Several canoes huli’s (flipped over) and to their credit, the women righted them quickly and raced on.
It was the first time I have ever steered a race, and the first time I have ever steered in such daunting conditions! My crew was awesome – their confidence in me really helped me focus on the race and even enjoy myself some out there! We finished 4th out of 7 on the Women over-50 division. And 17th out of 29! I have a lot of learning to do and really look forward to it.
We raced under the Puakea Foundation, which was formed to support and honor Uncle Bobby Puakea, one of the rare remaining Hawaiians who knows how to go into the koa forest, select the right tree for a canoe, and over the course of several years, turn that tree into an 40-foot long traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe.
Duke Foundation
Puakea Foundation
Race Results
Race Photos
Lanikai Canoe Club
Beach Walks Nominated for Podcast Awards
Lucky us – we have been nominated as one of the best Travel Podcasts for the Annual Podcast Awards, with over 4000 nominations!!! Now we wait.
Hawaiian Word:
Huli: to turn over, as in to huli a canoe or huli huli chicken, that is spin-roasted on a hot fire
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