| Considering a unique Hawaiian experience? The small | | | | ending in Nawiliwili. |
| islands, located in the Pacific, has a wide variety of | | | | The HYRA, which holds events for both men and |
| water sports and activities that make visiting the | | | | women, holds several other boats and races through |
| islands a memorable occasion. However, for a truly | | | | the year, including a Bulkhead Race and a Class Boat |
| unique experience, consider racing boats in Hawaii. | | | | Race. |
| Dragon Boat Racing | | | | The Haari Boat Races |
| Since 1996, Dragon Boat Racing has been an annual | | | | The Haari Boat Races were first held in Hawaii in |
| activity in Honolulu, Hawaii. The two-day race, which | | | | 1990. When a Hawaii native took part of a similar |
| includes multiple teams of about 20 people; 16-18 | | | | race in Japan. Years lager, he suggested that Hilo be |
| paddlers, a helmsman, a drummer and a flag catcher, | | | | the event host, and had someone ask the Japanese |
| usually takes place in July or August. The teams | | | | mayor of Nago City to donate three sabani boats. |
| compete to finish the 600-meter race first. In order | | | | The major, to the surprise of everyone, agreed. |
| to win, the team's flag catcher has to retrieve the | | | | Today, this tradition of racing boats in Hawaii in the |
| flag and cross the finish line with it. The tradition | | | | Haari boat races signifies a peaceful and friendly |
| comes from races first held in China, where the | | | | relationship between Nago City, Okinawa (Japan) and |
| boats were decorated to look like dragons. | | | | Hilo, Hawaii (USA). In addition to the actual winners of |
| For those interested in participating, sign-up forms, | | | | the race, the Haari Boat Races website also includes |
| rules, regulations, the fees and the dates are available | | | | costume winners, pictures and an introduction to the |
| online. Onlookers can gather and cheer for their | | | | new teams and the experienced teams. |
| favorite teams, friends and family-members and | | | | For years, many Hawaiian cities have been celebrating |
| in-between races, there is plenty of time to take a | | | | different styles of boat racing. Some, like those |
| dip or catch some waves. | | | | mentioned above, are steeped in tradition. Others are |
| Yacht Racing | | | | just people getting together to have a good time, |
| For a more modern approach to racing boats in | | | | celebrate and show off. Sailing, yachting, Dragon Boat |
| Hawaii, consider racing a yacht with or through the | | | | Racing and Haari Boat Racing have made up an |
| Hawaii Yacht Racing Association (HYRA). Every year, | | | | interesting and unique part of Hawaiian culture, and |
| the association holds a race on the Kauai Channel. In | | | | racing boats in Hawaii wouldn't be the same without |
| 2008, 22 boats participated, and 130 people attended | | | | the influx of other cultures. For a good time, and a |
| the awards ceremony. The Kauai Channel Race itself | | | | unique experience, check out a race, or even |
| is 78 miles long altogether, starting in KoOlina and | | | | participate. |