Hilo, Hawai‘i, will be the center of the outrigger canoe paddling world from August 13-24, 2024, as the host of the prestigious International Vaʻa Federation World Sprint Championships.
More than 2,800 paddlers from 27 competing countries will participate in the races, which will take place at Hilo Bayfront Beach Park through the support and partnership of the International Va‘a Federation (IVF), the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA), and the County of Hawaiʻi.
The County last hosted the IVF World Sprint Championships in 2004.
Event Schedule
• August 9: HCRA Setup Begins
• August 13-15: Course Familiarization
• August 15: Opening Ceremony (4 p.m.)
• August 16-17: Elite World Championship and Para Racing
• August 18-24: Club World Championship (August 24 if needed)
• August 20: Culture Night at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium (6 p.m. -9 p.m.)
• August 23-26: Event Breakdown
Including participants and attendees, Hilo is expecting thousands of additional visitors daily throughout the competition. Motorists should anticipate a large amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic downtown during the event, especially along Kamehameha Avenue near Hilo Bayfront Beach Park and Wailoa River State Recreation Area.
Event parking will be available at Wailoa River State Recreation Area on the field between the Wailoa River and Kamehameha Avenue, with access from Bishop Street. Overflow parking will be available at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium on Manono Street.
“We are thrilled to welcome competitors and canoe racing enthusiasts from around the globe to enjoy beautiful Hilo Bayfront Beach Park and all that Hawai‘i Island has to offer,” said Maurice Messina, Director of Parks & Recreation. “I extend a sincere mahalo to our Parks & Recreation staff, partners throughout state and county government, and HCRA for working together as we prepare to host this important international event.”
For more information about the event, including daily race schedules, visit the IFV event website: 2024 World Sprints – Hilo – International Va’a Federation (ivfiv.org)