HONOLULU (HI Now) - The Waikīkī Yacht Club (WYC) today proudly announces the launch of the inaugural Royal Regatta, a dynamic new oceanfront festival bringing together sailing, paddling, hula, Hawaiian language and culture in a celebration of aloha and Hawaii’s rich maritime heritage.
This multi-sport regatta and cultural celebration is Saturday, November 1 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ala Moana Beach Park and the Waikīkī Yacht Club, all to honor King David Kalākaua. Paddlers and sailors, as well as the general public, are invited to join this one-of-a-kind celebration of Hawaiian ocean sport and culture.
Race registration is now open Register - WYC Royal Regatta and marks the beginning of what is set to become one of Hawaiʻi’s signature annual traditions. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Waikīkī Yacht Club Education Foundation, which provides paddling and sailing scholarships for keiki and adult watermen and women and support for other WYC education programs. A big mahalo to media sponsor Hawaii News Now for being a Gold Sponsor of the event.
“The Royal Regatta is more than competition—it’s a revival of King Kalākaua’s ocean legacy and a showcase of Hawaiʻi’s culture and community,” said Malia Zimmerman, Waikīkī Yacht Club’s paddling head coach. “We invite everyone to take part—by racing, cheering, or partnering as sponsors to build this new tradition.”
Rooted in Hawaiian ocean heritage
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Ocean sports have always been central to Hawai‘i life. Around 1850, canoe racing (hei hei waʻa) became a popular sport under King Kamehameha V. Yet, under missionary influence, Queen Kaʻahumanu banned canoe racing, surfing, and hula. These traditions lay dormant until King David Kalākaua revived them in 1875—designating his birthday, November 16, as the official annual regatta day.
Held at Aloha Tower, his regattas showcased yacht races, canoe competitions, swimming, and whaleboat challenges. Today, the Royal Regatta carries forward that legacy at Ala Moana with a blend of sailing, paddling, hula, and Hawaiian music.
Event day schedule – Saturday, November 1, 2025
- 7 a.m. — Check-in and registration for races: Keiki Canoe, 6-mile Canoe, and Sailing-Canoe Regatta
- 8 a.m. — Opening oli, pule, and remarks
- 9 a.m. — Canoe races: Juniors, Open, 40+ (7 miles)
- 9 to 10 a.m. (STAGE): Leokani Pyror & CJ Helekahi
- 10 a.m. — Keiki race (ages 8–12, half mile)
- 10:15 to 10:45 (STAGE) – Hula performances
- 10:15 a.m. — Cal 20 sailing & canoe relay (Magic Island to Turtle Canyon)
- 11 a.m. to 11:30 (STAGE) — Royal Hawaiian Band performance
- 11:45 to 12: 30 p.m. (STAGE) — Hula performances by Oʻahu hālau
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