Historic Handover: A New Chapter for Na Wahine O Ke Kai
Honolulu, Hawaii – October 20, 2023

Na Wahine O Ke Kai, one of the most iconic and beloved events in Hawaiian canoe racing history, is
embarking on a historic transition. The board of directors of Na Wahine O Ke Kai, in collaboration with
the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA), is delighted to announce the formal decision to
entrust the production of Na Wahine O Ke Kai to OHCRA.

Since its inception in 1979, Na Wahine O Ke Kai has been an embodiment of women’s strength,
perseverance, and love for the ocean. Women from across the world have gathered annually to
celebrate and compete in this race, which has become a symbol of unity and empowerment.

The decision to pass the torch to OHCRA, an organization with a remarkable track record of stewardship
in Hawaiian canoe racing, reflects a bright future for Na Wahine O Ke Kai. OHCRA’s commitment to
preserving the traditions and values of Hawaiian canoe racing, coupled with their vision for enhancing
the race, is a promise for a seamless transition and continued excellence.

This transition, while significant, is a natural progression that will ensure the longevity of this iconic race.
Na Wahine O Ke Kai will continue to be a cherished event, embodying the spirit of aloha, the beauty of
Hawaii’s water, and the unbreakable bond between our people and the canoe. “We are honored to take
on the stewardship of Na Wahine O Ke Kai, an iconic race that embodies the spirit of aloha and
celebrates the extraordinary abilities of women in our sport. OHCRA is excited to continue this journey
and to ensure the traditions and excellence of this race thrive for generations to come,” says Luana
Froiseth, OHCRA Race Director.

The board of directors expresses their deepest gratitude to the paddling community and all those who
have supported Na Wahine O Ke Kai over the years. This race has thrived through your unwavering
dedication, and it is with your continued support that it will continue to flourish. “We’ve shared a truly
remarkable journey with Na Wahine O Ke Kai, celebrating women’s strength, unity, and connection to
our beloved Kaiwi Channel. As we pass the torch to OHCRA, we honor the past, embrace the present,
and trust in the bright future that lies ahead for this incredible race,” shared, Carleen Ornellas, Na
Wahine O Ke Kai President. In addition, long time Race Director Hannie Anderson is delighted that this
race continues on under the guidance of OHCRA.

We look forward to a new chapter in the remarkable story of Na Wahine O Ke Kai and are excited to
watch it evolve under the trusted leadership of OHCRA. Our enduring commitment to celebrating
women and their achievements in the sport remains unshaken, and we are eager to see the next
generation of paddlers embrace this legacy.

Mission Statement

Provide an opportunity for women to challenge their mind, body and spirit through Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing.

Vision Statement:

Na Wahine O Ke Kai is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to perpetuating Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling and to honor, preserve and perpetuate the combined culture, science, tradition, protocol and innovation of the outrigger canoe.

Our primary purpose is to support and conduct a long-distance canoe race each year for women and promote interclub, interisland and international Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing.

Core Values:

  1. Hoomau: preserve, perpetuate, continue
  2. Ike Pono: to know, to feel, to understand
  3. Kuleana: privilege, responsibility, title, job
  4. Malama: caring, nurturing others, to protect
  5. Kokua: help, assist, comfort, support

We will engage in, promote, encourage participation in, and provide education and instruction in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture through canoeing and other related activities on a local, national, and international basis.

Important:

The Paddler Classifieds is being offered as a courtesy to paddlers and crews.  Postings are not reviewed by Na Wahine O Ke Kai for accuracy and we assume no liability for individual posts.  Boats that escort crews require an experienced skill set for this challenging and often dangerous job of transferring paddlers to and from the boat to their canoe.  We strongly recommend that crews thoroughly vet any escort boat for prior experience, proper captain documentation, condition and size of boat including prop guards, swim step or other access into the boat, insurance documentation, or any other information to ensure the safety of a crew.