Each team consists of nine paddlers, with six in the canoe at a time. Crews from Hawaii, Australia, Canada, Europe, French Polynesia and the U.S. Mainland are expected to compete in this year's race. Presented as a service to the community by Bank of Hawaii.
Paddlers rotate positions in open-ocean exchanges as the race progresses across the channel.
A record 108 teams participated in 1997. October 8, 1989. Outrigger canoe racing is the State of Hawaii's official team sport. Spectators are invited to come to Fort DeRussy Beach to watch the colorful finish. In addition to first overall trophies in the fiberglass and koa divisions, numerous trophies are given in the age group divisions.