Huggoʻs Valentines Relay Race Results

Saturday February 10th was a beautiful day to run the Valentines Race, which was attended by 164 paddlers.  A 3ʻ northwest swell and 10-15 knot wind made the course a sweetheart for some and a heart breaker for others.  The ~8-mile short course from Honokōhau to Kamakāhonu Bay at Kailua pier attracted 32 canoes running iron and 20 canoes running relay.  The ~10-mile long course went from Honokōhau to a turn boat off of Royal Kona, then to Kamakāhonu Bay, and returned to the harbor along the same route. There were 37 iron boats and 9 relay teams on the Long Course.

Makoa Becerra won the Long Iron course in 1:24:43 (hours:minutes:seconds).  He was followed by Mauka Monstahs a junior.  Makayla Ward was the first women in a single canoe. Hiʻlaka Aipia White Eagle was the first junior women. Other junior racers included: Nathan Grocholski Jr, Kalaʻe Ho, Jaemon Foti, Markus Lizarraga, Walker Sultan, Patrick Meyer, Jude Daniels, Toa Malosi Bertaina, and Kamahele Akanaphillips.   

The OC2 team Bearbak Brothers Honu and Jim won the Short Iron course in 1:10:32.  Malakai Pucong was the first junior man, Lora Sakai was the first women, HinaʻEa Tan was the first junior women.  Other juniors included: Vladimir Vondrak, Heenalu Kaiawe Zager, Colton Kahalamu, Kaeaea Akau, Cheyenne Kahulamu, and Brode Learned.

The OC2 team Imua Ohh Yeah!!! won the Long Relay in 1:24:46 and team Enos-Villegas-Old won the Short Relay in 1:12:06.

Complete results with split times can be viewed by clicking on the following link 2024 Huggoʻs Valentines Relay Race Results.

Huggoʻs restaruant hosted an ono meal after the race and Junior Vaʻa coaches Charlie and Nate provided entertainment and prizes.  Apryl Saskaki won the first annual dance contest.   Judging by the smiles, hugs, kisses, high fives, and laughter everyone had a great time.

This race benefits the Big Island Junior Vaʻa program and we all take pride in the amazing junior paddlers that it produces.  Mahalo nui to Nate Grocholski and Lea Wilson the race sponsors.


Huggo's Valentines Relay Race Photos

Stan Cann Classic

Stan can’t remember exactly how long he has been holding this race, but it is over 20 years.  This year’s race was a classic, run under partly cloudy skies, light breezes, and a big north swell.  East Hawaii loves this race and they turned out in force along with a good number of paddlers that drove across the saddle to enjoy the wild side.  There was also a high school OC6 regatta at Bayfront Park, but the two events running at the same time only added to the excitement.  Due to the large number of registrants (108), the two courses were run separately, so the safety boats could cover the fleet.

The 5-mile short course attracted 56 canoes and was won by the OC2 team Kala'akeaho'omalamalama in 39 minutes and 31 seconds.  The first men’s OC1 was paddled by Uakea Kealoha, a Junior. The first women’s OC1 was China White.  The first womenʻs Junior racer was Hina’Ea Tan. Other junior paddlers included: Oliver Powers, Talna Nicolas, Palikū Nae'ole-Wong, Joshua Munoz, Vladimir Vondrak, Colton Kahulamu, Cheyenne Kahulamu, and Brodie Learned.

The 8-mile long course was contested by 52 canoes and was won by Mokoa Becerra in an exciting finish.  Aliʻl Youderian was the first Junior and second overall.  Makayla Ward was the first women to finish and Brenna Heiss was the first Junior women racer.  Other Junior included: Nathan Grocholski Jr, Jaemon Foti, Kalae Ho, and Laakea Kaawaloa Okita.

Stan and his crew of volunteers provide everyone with a great meal after the race.  The Vaʻa ʻOhana really appreciates this annual January gathering on the shore of Hilo Bay.  It is a time to renew our bonds, share the aloha, and compete together.  We hope it continues for at least another 20 years.

Berengue Memorial Race Results

He lā pono kēia lā.  What an excellent day to start the 2024 HIPA racing season.  Over 100 canoes and a few koholā showed up to honor the memories of Freddie and Steve Berengue.  The race was run under blue skies with light breezes.  There was just enough swell to make the race course interesting.  We celebrated the day with a pāʻina at the HIPA halau after the race.

An OC2 team, Tesla Vaʻa won the 8-mil long course in 59 minutes 19.9 seconds followed by Toyota Vaʻa, a V-1 paddler who was the first kāne. Darcy Daniel was the first wahine in an OC1.  Nate Grocholski Jr,  was the first junior man on an OC1 and Brenna Heiss was the first junior woman in a V-1.  Other junior paddlers included Aliʻi Youderian, and Jaemon Foti.

Grant Kojima won the 5-mile short course in 49 minutes 46.3 seconds followed closely by the OC2 team Joe Dirt.  Jenē Green (a novice) was the first wahine in her OC1.  Talan Nicolas was the first junior man and HinaʻEa Tan was the first junior women.  Other junior racers included Oliver Powers, Vladimir Vondrak, Paliku Nae'ole-Wong, Joshua Munoz, and Kaeaea Akau.

Complete results can be viewed at the HIPA Race Results Page.

Mahalo nui to the HIPA Board of Directors and all the volunteers that help put on the race.