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Home2023 Race Results

YC 2022-442

2023 HIPA Race Results


HIPA WebScorer Results

2023 Season Total

YAMAGATA CHALLENGE - April 15th
The final race of the 2023 spring season was the Yamagata Challenge which began at Honokohau Harbor and finished at Keauhou Bay on a beautiful sunny day. Water conditions were a light wind chop from a 10 mph southerly.  The 10.7-mile Long Course included 30 canoes and one prone-board.  The 9-mile Short Course included 35 canoes.

Ali'i Youderian won the Long Course and Darcy Daniel was the first women in a single canoe.  Jim Elliott and Paul Jeffries won the short course by over 3 minutes in their OC-2.  Chevise Conte was the first man in a single canoe and Ashley McKellar was the first woman in a single.

One of the highlights of this race and all of the races this season, is our amazing group of Junior paddlers.  They have become a dominate force in our va'a 'ohanna, with 8 of the 12 places on the long course taken by Juniors.  After Ali'i other Juniors included Kala'e Ho, Ezekiel Nicholson, Patrick Meyer Jr, Oliver Powers, Toa Malosi Bertaina, Nathan Grocholski JR, Jaemon Foti, and Eha Kiyuna on the Long Course and Talan Nicolas and Wai`olukea Publico on the Short Course.  Wai`olukea finished her season with screams of joy which we all shared.
 
After the race Dave Yamagata hosted a ono pa'ina with live music, food, and drawings.   Dave Yamagata and his crew provided a great finish to an awesome season of OC-1 & OC-2 paddling.   
Results

 


FOUR SEASONS HUALĀLAI OC1 OC2 CANOE REGATTA - April 8th
The 2nd annual Four Seasons Hualālai OC-1 & OC-2 Canoe Regatta included 68 canoes and was run on a 14+ mile round trip course from Kukio Bay.  The chance to win big awards and enjoy the hospitality of the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai drew many of the top paddlers from the State and a good crowd of spectators.

Forecasts for smooth flat water proved to be wrong as a fresh breeze blew up at 15 to 20 mph with associated wind waves of 1 to 2 feet.  At first it created a downwind run on the south bound leg, but it turned onshore and created a challenging north bound run home with weather on the ama.  Numerous competitors hulied, some more that once.

Spectators were treated to an exciting finish as Aliʻi Youderian beat out Kua Noland for 1st place overall.  Aliʻi received $1,500 cash, a two night stay at the resort, and recognization as one of the top OC-1 paddlers in the State of Hawaii.  Lindsey Shank was the first women to finish in an OC1 and received the same 1st place awards and honors.  Kama Lee Loy and Tyler Makaiwi were the first OC-2 to finish and won dinner for four at the Beach Tree Restaurant.

Wyatt Egbert won the Junior Menʻs division and his sister Megan Egbert won the Junior Womenʻs division.  Other junior finishers included Nathan Grocholski Jr, Kala'e Ho, Patrick Meyer Jr, Taylor Balanga, Toa Bertaina, Jesse Solis, Jaemon Foti, Ezekiel Nicholson, Spencer Allen, and Oliver Powers.

After the race,  Four Seasons and Kona Brewing provided lunch and an awards ceremony.  Trent Fischer and the aquatics crew at Four Seasons hosted another great race.  We hope this tradition continues for a long time.
Results



EAST HAWAII CHALLENGE - April 1st
The 2023 East Hawaii Challenge featured two courses from Leleiwi Park to Bayfront Park in Hilo Bay.  Paddlers and spectators enjoyed a nice day for a canoe race.  A 5'-7' swell and 10-15 mph wind combined to provide a good push for the portion of the courses heading west.  The 7-mile short course included 47 boats and ran from Leleiwi Park to a turn near Honoli'i then into Hilo Bay and down the grand strand of Bayfront Part.  The 12-mile long course featured 54 boats and first ran east from Leleiwi Park for 2 miles then turned around and followed the short course to the finish.

Ali'i Youderian (a Junior) won the long course in the mens OC-1 divisions.  Evonne Amantiad-Williams was the first woman in a single canoe to cross the finish line on the long course.  Lorin Sellars and Nick Shand were the first finishers on the short course in their OC-2 followed closely by Samson Castillo the first man in an OC-1.  Jolyn Takeya-Whitney was the first short course finisher in the woman's single division.

Other Junior paddlers included Toa Bertaina, Kala'e Ho, Patrick Meyer Jr, Eha Kiyuna, Essien Ramirez, Uakea Kealoha, and Oliver Powers on the long course.  Talan Nicolas, Zoey Ah Yo, Kamaka Makaimoku, Wai`olukea Publico, and Kianni Dodson competed in the short course.

The race was followed by a pa'ina and the now famous lau lau.  Once again the race sponsors, Aaron Makaimoku, Samson Castillo, Kenika Kane and their o’hanna, did an awesome job with organization, safety, and food for everyone.  We all look forward to next year's East Hawaii Challenge.

Results



SURF PARK RACE - March 25th
The Surf Park Race was held at Pua Ka`ilima Cultural Surf Park in Kawaihae on a mostly sunny day with light breezes and very small seas.   The 10-mile Long Course (featuring 33 canoes) and 6-mile Short Course (featuring 31 canoes) started inside Kawaihae Harbor and finished outside the breakwater at Surf Park.  Paddlers reported good conditions and lots of dolphins.

Toa Bertaina (a Junior) was the first man to finish the Long Course on an OC-1.  Evonne Amantiad-Williams was the first women in a single canoe.  Angela Rey and Paul Streiter were the first finishers on the Short Course in an OC-2.   Christopher Hromek was the first man finisher in a single canoe and Ellen Cordeiro was the first woman.

Other Junior paddlers included Patrick Meyer Jr, Lehuahoaka Olson, Poha Kea Ah Lo, Hilinaʻi Palea, Kaimahie Hooper,Kanaiʻa Palea, and Kianni Dodson.

Mahalo nui to Eric Mitchell, Mike Nearman and their volunteer crew for another ono race.  We all love paddling on the Kohala coast.
Results




FREDDIE BERENGUE MEMORIAL RACE - March 18th
The Freddie Berengue Memorial Race was held at Honokohau Harbor on a sunny day with light breezes and very small seas.   The 10-mile Long Course and 5-mile Short Course started outside Honokohau Harbor and returned to the finish line at the harbor entrance.

Makoa Becerra won the Long Course overall and Ramona Crivello was the first women overall in a single canoe.  Paul Jeffries and Jim Elliott crushed their competition on the Short Course in their OC2.  Kekai Gladden was the first man to finish on the Short Course in a single canoe and Ashley McKellar was the first women in a single canoe.

Junior Va'a paddlers were lead by Ali'i Youderian (4th overall) followed by Taylor Balangoa, Kala'e Ho, Kai'ea Cann, Eha Kiyuna, Jaemon Foti, Essien Ramirez, Patrick Meyer Jr, Uakea Kealoha, Ezekiel Nicholson, and Oliver Powers on the Long Course. Kamaka Makaimoku was the first Junior on the Short Course followed by Wai`olukea Publico.

Steve Berengue and his volunteers put on another fine race.  Lunch was served to the racers and a pa'ina with live music and awards followed and was rumored to last until sunset.  It is good to be part of the Big Island Va'a 'ohana.

Results



 KEAUHOU KUUIPO RACE - March 11th
The Kuuipo Race was held at Keauhou Canoe Club on historic Keauhou Bay.  After a week of high wind and waves, conditions moderated for race day to light winds and 3' swells from the northwest.  The 9.5-mile Long Course started outside Honokohau Harbor and ended at Keauhou. The 7.5 mile Short Course started at Keauhou and ran south to Neanue Point then returned to Keauhou.  Many paddlers thought the Long Course was easier that the Short Course on this day.

The Long Course race included 37 boats and was won by Ali'i Youderian in a tight race with Nathan Grocholski JR (both Junior paddlers).  The first woman finisher in a single canoe was Ramona Crivello.  The Short Course included 28 boats and was won by Paul Streiter and Angela Ray in their OC2.  The first men's single to finish was John Rodrigues and the first women's single was Ashley McKellar.

As we have come to expect, the Junior Va'a paddlers did very well.  Other junior paddlers included Toa Bertaina, Jaemon Foti, Eha Kiyuna, Patrick Meyer Jr, and Oliver Powers.

After the race paddlers and 'ohanna enjoyed a meal provided by Keauhou Canoe Club.  Mahalo nui to Terry Trinidad and many volunteers for another great race event.

 Results



MOKU 'O KEAWE CHALLENGE - March 4th & 5th
The first annual Moku ‘O Keawe Challenge at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay was sponsored by WEGO Foundation and Big Island Junior Va’a.  It certainly lived up to the challenge of putting on an inaugural race.  One hundred paddlers paddled in three stages meant to separate the men from the boys or women from the girls.  EXCEPT!  the boys and girls equaled or exceeded the men and women in most cases.  Day one was sunny with light winds and small seas and included two stages: a 2.5-mile sprint from a standing beach start and a 6-mile medium distance race.  Day two was looking calm, but about 10:30 a.m. the wind picked up to 15-20 mph from the SW and seas jumped up to 2’-3’ with the occasional 4’-5’.  This put the weather on the ama for the return leg of the race that included numerous reefs.  This made for challenging conditions for some paddlers.  Racers got to choose from a 12-mile long course or a 6-mile short course.  The Moku ‘O Keawe was an exciting event for the spectators and many tourists and local ‘ohana filled the beach to watch and cheer the racers.

A total of 86 OC1, OC2, and V1 canoes competed.  Results of each of the three stages can be found on HIPA's page on WebScorer.com.  After results were combined, Makoa Becerra was the clear winner, as he won every stage.  Darcy Daniel was the top women’s combined winner. 

The Moku ‘O Keawe featured most of the top Junior Va’a paddlers in the state paddling 22 canoes.  Nine of the junior racers finished in the top 50% of all combined scores.  Fourth place overall was taken by a junior paddler, Sig Konohia.  Sig was followed by Wyatt Egbert, Nathan Grocholski Jr., Taylor Balanga, Toa Bertaina,  Kala'e Ho, Jaemon Foti, Spencer Allen, Sean Satterfield,  Patrick Meyer Jr., Kaula Ah Sam, Essien Ramirez,  Jude Washburn, Ezekiel Nicholson, Alex Brandt, Uakea Kealoha,  Jude Daniels,  Kamaka Makaimoku, Teva Reynolds, Zoey Ah Yo, Oliver Powers, Keolakai Makaimoku, and Megan Egbert.  Koa Berringer, Bentley Balanga, Kianni Dodson, Peri Ozbil, and Ellie Platter also participated in at least one stage.  We are set for many more exciting races in the coming days and years.

Mahalo nui to Charlie Becerra, Kalani Kaili, Rebekah Lussiaa, Thibert Lussia and the many volunteers that this made this weekend an exciting event for paddlers and spectators alike. Also, thanks to Lea Wilson, Nate Grocholski, and Hulakai Ohana for providing water safety.
Combined Results

Video Day 1

Video Day 2



 

KEOUA'S KUPUNA MEMORIAL RACE - February 25th
The annual Keoua's Kupuna Memorial Race was held at the Honaunau Bay on a cloudy blustery day with winds of 10-15 mph.  Seas were 2-3 feet from the west which  challenged some racers.  Fifty-two boats competed on the ~10 mile long course.  Makoa Becerra and Taylor Balanga were the first overall finishers paddling an OC-2.  Keakua Nolan was the first man to finish in an OC-1 and Darcy Daniel was the first woman finisher in a OC-1. 

Forty-four boats also competed on the ~6 mile short course.  Paul Jeffries and Jim Elliott were the first finishers in an OC-2.  Kekai Gladden was the first men's OC-1 finisher.  Ashley McKellar was the first woman in an OC-1. 

Junior paddlers continued to race very well and included Ali'i Youderian, Nathan Grocholski JR, Toa Bertaina, Jaemon Foti, Eha Kiyuna, Patrick Meyer Jr, Jude Daniels, Uakea Kealoha, Oliver Powers, Nahiena Kekuawela, Talan Nicolas, and Wai`olukea Publico.

There was a pa'ina with Keoua's famous grinds after the race. Guests were entertained by the Ho'okena crooner Jim Elliot and his harp.  Awards were presented to the division winners.  Jene' Green and the Keoua Canoe Club put on another great race. 
 Results



HUGGO'S VALENTINES RACE - February 11th
The Huggo's Valentines Race was held at the Honokohau Harbor on a mostly clear day with winds of 10-15 mph.  Seas were 2-4 feet from the southwest which added just enough excitement.  Forty-five boats competed on the ~10 mile long course.  Chase Vonnordheim was the first overall finisher paddling iron.  Ramona Crivello was the first woman iron finisher in a single.  Eha Kiyuna, Niau Paulos, and Ali'i Youderian were the first relay to finish in a double. 

Forty-five boats also competed on the ~8 mile short course.  Kanoe Ah Lo, Mel Ah Lo, Mait Akau, and Barbara Souki were the first finishers in an OC-2 relay.  Martin Free was the first men's iron finisher.  Lora Sakai was the first woman in an iron single. 

Junior paddlers included Eha Kiyuna, Niau Paulos, Ali'i Youderian, Nathan Grocholski JR, Jaemon Foti, Toa Bertaina, Patrick Meyer Jr, Essien Ramirez, Ezekiel Nicholson, Oliver Powers, Uakea Kealoha, Wai`olukea Publico, Taylor Balanga, Lehuahoaka Olson, Jude Daniels, Toshua Nolan, Zoey Ah Yo, and Levi Farinas.

The race benefited the Big Island Junior Va'a program.  Nate Grocholski and his crew of volunteers put on another memorable race.   Huggo's provided everyone with lunch served by the Junior Va'a crew.  
Ferry Strong

Results




KAIPALAOA RACE - January 28th
The Kaipalaoa Race drew a huge field to Hilo on a cloudy breezy day.   Sixty eight boats competed on the ~8.5 mile long course.  Jose Lizardi was the first overall finisher.  Ramona Crivello was the first woman finisher in a single.  Troy Parker-Bailey and Keahi Warfield were the first to finish in a double.  Sixty five boats competed on the ~ 5 mile short course.  Lorin Sellars and Nick Shand were the first finishers in an OC-2.  John Rodrigues was the first men's finisher.  Lora Sakai was the first woman in a single.  The impressive group of junior va'a paddlers included Ali'i Youderian, Levi Farinas, Kamahoa Kaawaloa-Okita, Eha Kiyuna, Niau Paulos, Tyler O'Brien, Nahiena Kekuawela, Pakelakahiki Kaaua, Cother-McKeague La’a, and Wai`olukea Publico on the long course and Kamaehu Grant, Lehuahoaka Olson, Kody Uyemura-Iga, Douglas Gora, Reid Okazaki, Talan Nicolas, Zoey Ah Yo, Kaiwiula Baker, Kamaka Makaimoku, Israel Yung, Keolakai Makaimoku, Zoe Aoki, Tatiana Dunhour, Malia Simram, Brooke Uyeshiro, Kiliohu Grant, and Manōali’i Publico on the short course.  Kwai-Chang Publico and his crew of volunteers sponsored a great race that will be remembered a long time.
Results

Pictures



 

STAN CANN CLASSIC - January 7th
The Stan Cann Classic is the traditional first race of the HIPA season and what a great start to 2023.  The weather was clear with light winds and a small southeast swell outside the bay.  A snow capped Mauna Kea provided a majestic backdrop to a great race.  Forty one boats competed on the ~10 mile long course.  Ali'i Youderian was the first overall finisher and also the first junior paddler.  Ramona Crivello was the first woman finisher in a single.  Robert Olson and Derek Park were the first to finish in a double.  Forty five boats competed on the ~ 7.5 mile short course.  Nick Ah Yo was the first men's finisher.  Alexia Osburn was the first woman in a single.  Alison Dodson and Charles Kaili were the first double to finish.  The other junior va'a paddlers included Toa Bertaina on the long course and Patrick Meyer Jr, Joshua Munoz, Oliver Powers, Antelise Porter and Peri Ozbil on the short course.  Stan Cann and his crew of volunteers fed the paddlers a delicious lunch after the race.  

Results