Thursday – Sunday, September 3 – 7: 
Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Races. More than 2,500 outrigger canoe paddlers come to Kona, Hawai`i for its signature 18-mile long distance race, the world’s largest long distance outrigger canoe race. Kai Opua Canoe Club, one of Hawai`i’s oldest outrigger canoe clubs, will host crews from around the world and an estimated 75 crews from the United States. Hawai`i will be well represented with multiple crews and more than sixty Big Island crews are also expected on the starting line. Other official Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race events unfold throughout the holiday weekend including Historic Kailua Village Cultural Walk, Paddling Talk Story, Native Artist Fair, Torchlight Parade, Stand-up Paddleboard Race, Ali`i Challenge and new this year, Hulakai OC4 (4 person canoes) Sprint Relay Race.  Kailua Pier, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona.  For more information and event schedule call (808) 937-3255 or visit www.kaiopua.org.