About Our Youth Program

Paddling - About Our Youth Program

The mission of the Kai 'Opua Youth Paddling and Racing program is to provide a well balanced competitive sports and cultural environment that will teach, develop and nurture youth in the sport and science of canoe racing and Hawaiian culture.

Two categories of youth programs are available, 7-11 year old age group (Specials) and 12-18 year old age group, each of which learn proper paddling techniques, physical fitness and water safety with emphasis on education and instruction in Hawaiian culture. During race season practice is held Monday-Friday specific to Specials, boys and girls groups... 

The 7-11 year old keiki program (Specials)is designed for youth who may not have paddled before, we teach the basics in paddling, importance of safety in the water and in the canoe, and Hawaiian culture whether it be related to the Club, historic Kamakahonu Bay,  paddling, or the importance of respect in the canoe and out of the water based upon traditions of Hawaiian culture. Their practices are held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for BOTH boys and girls.

The 12-18 year olds participate in MOKU ʻO HAWAII Regatta season from May through August at 2 different locations on the island of Hawaiʻi(Kona Pier or Hilo Bay)with the culmination of the State race being held off Island if they qualify.  Our Practice sessions are held on the Kona Pier Monday through Friday afternoons, with races on Saturday. The girls practices are on Monday and Wednesday and the boys practices are Tuesday and Thursday (Fridays to be added for either group if necessary)  Youth compete with other teams from clubs around the Island by age group, boys, girls, and mixed crews. There may be other races where Youth teams participate in special races outside of HCRA/MOKU or, in some cases The Queen Liliʻuokalani race held every year in Kailua Kona.  Kai' Opua provides transportation for teams to the events and encourages individuals to build relationships with peers, learn team-based activities and to compete with Aloha.

The member registration form can be found on our website, see "New Member Registration".