The Hawaiki Nui Va'a returns for its spectacular 32nd edition from October 29 to November 1, 2025, culminating in the breathtaking finish at Matira Beach in Bora Bora, where hundreds of supporters will gather to witness the climax of French Polynesia's most prestigious outrigger canoe race. This legendary three-day marathon covers 129 kilometers (80 miles) through the stunning Society Islands, connecting Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora in an epic test of endurance, skill, and traditional Polynesian seafaring prowess. More than 2,000 pirogues from across French Polynesia and international crews will compete in this extraordinary celebration of va'a culture, with the mythical Matira Beach serving as the ultimate destination for this journey through paradise.
The most prestigious outrigger canoe race in the world
Hawaiki Nui Va'a stands as the pinnacle of outrigger canoe racing, drawing elite paddlers from across the Pacific to compete in six-person va'a (outrigger canoes) specially designed for open-ocean racing. Since its inaugural edition in 1992, this race has grown from a local competition into an international sporting phenomenon that showcases the athletic prowess and cultural heritage of Polynesian seafaring. The event takes its name from Hawaiki Nui, meaning "the great Hawaiki," which in Polynesian mythology represents the ancestral homeland from which all Pacific islands were first populated.
The race embodies the spirit of ancient Polynesian voyaging, when skilled navigators used outrigger canoes to traverse vast ocean distances using only stars, currents, and natural signs. Modern competitors honor this legacy while pushing the limits of human endurance across some of the most challenging and beautiful waters in the South Pacific.
Three-day race format and course details
The 2025 edition follows the traditional three-stage format that has defined Hawaiki Nui Va'a since its inception. Day 1 (October 29) begins with the most challenging leg, a grueling 44.5-kilometer open-ocean crossing from Huahine to Raiatea that tests crews against prevailing trade winds and ocean swells. Elite teams complete this stage in approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, with the current course record standing at an impressive 3 hours, 11 minutes, and 47 seconds.
Day 2 (October 30) offers a comparative sprint of 22 kilometers through the protected lagoon waters between Raiatea and Taha'a. This stage favors tactical positioning and sprint speed, with leading crews covering the distance in under 2 hours. The current record for this leg stands at 1 hour, 52 minutes, and 49 seconds, demonstrating the incredible pace these elite athletes maintain even in the shorter stage.
The climactic Day 3 (October 31) features the legendary 58-kilometer crossing from Taha'a to Bora Bora, where crews battle fatigue, ocean conditions, and the psychological pressure of approaching the finish at Matira Beach. This final stage typically requires just over 4 hours for leading crews, with the course record of 4 hours, 7 minutes, and 1 second representing the absolute pinnacle of outrigger racing performance. The overall race record of 9 hours, 20 minutes, and 51 seconds was set by Shell Va'a in 2009.
The spectacular Bora Bora finish
Matira Beach in Bora Bora provides one of the most dramatic and beautiful finish lines in all of sport, where crews arrive after three days of intense competition to be greeted by hundreds of supporters who gather on boats and along the legendary white sand beach. The approach to Bora Bora, with Mount Otemanu rising dramatically from the turquoise lagoon, creates an unforgettable backdrop for the race's climax. Spectators can witness the raw emotion of competitors as they cross the finish line, many overcome by the achievement of completing this ultimate test of Polynesian seamanship.
The finish area transforms into a celebration of Polynesian culture, with traditional music, dance, and food creating a festival atmosphere that welcomes both competitors and spectators. The community of Bora Bora embraces the event as a highlight of their annual calendar, with local businesses and residents contributing to the warm hospitality that greets arriving teams.
Multiple race categories
Beyond the premier men's senior division, Hawaiki Nui Va'a 2025 features multiple categories that provide competition opportunities for different age groups and skill levels. The Va'a Hine women's category, established in 1995, runs a challenging 45-kilometer course that showcases the growing strength of women's outrigger racing in French Polynesia. The Taure'a junior men's category, created in 1998, follows the same distance as the women's race, providing developing athletes with their own prestigious competition.
Corporate teams compete in a special category that covers the final two stages from Raiatea to Bora Bora, allowing businesses to participate in this iconic event while building team cohesion through shared challenge. The veteran categories provide opportunities for experienced paddlers to continue competing at the highest level while passing their knowledge to younger generations.
Cultural significance and heritage
Hawaiki Nui Va'a represents far more than athletic competition; it serves as a living celebration of Polynesian cultural identity and the seafaring heritage that enabled the settlement of the Pacific islands. The race course passes near Taputapuatea marae on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered the spiritual center of Polynesia from which voyaging canoes departed to populate islands across the Pacific. This connection to ancestral voyaging traditions gives the modern race profound cultural significance beyond its sporting achievements.
The event provides a platform for preserving and sharing traditional knowledge about canoe construction, navigation techniques, and ocean safety that have been passed down through generations of Polynesian seafarers. Many competitors learn from kupuna (elders) who maintain connections to traditional practices while adapting them to modern competitive requirements.
Island hospitality and festivities
Each participating island creates a unique welcome for teams, supporters, and visitors, with evening festivities that celebrate Polynesian culture through traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Huahine, known as the "Garden Island," offers intimate gatherings where teams can connect with local families and experience authentic Polynesian hospitality. Raiatea provides opportunities to explore sacred sites and learn about the island's role as the launching point for Pacific voyaging.
Taha'a, the "Vanilla Island," showcases its agricultural heritage while providing the final staging point for the dramatic crossing to Bora Bora. The evening celebrations create lasting friendships between competitors and local communities, embodying the spirit of aloha that defines Polynesian culture. These cultural exchanges often prove as meaningful to participants as the competitive aspects of the race itself.
Spectator experience and viewing opportunities
The multi-island format provides spectators with numerous viewing opportunities, from shoreline positions to chartered boats that follow the action across open water. Many visitors plan multi-day trips that allow them to experience different perspectives of the race while exploring the unique character of each island. Boat charters provide the most comprehensive viewing experience, following crews through the challenging open-ocean crossings while offering photography opportunities and close-up observation of racing tactics.
Shore-based viewing offers its own advantages, particularly at start and finish areas where the excitement and emotion of competition are most intense. Matira Beach provides the ultimate spectator experience, with its white sand setting and crystal-clear water creating perfect conditions for witnessing the race's climactic finish.
Planning your visit
The late October timing coincides with some of the most pleasant weather conditions in French Polynesia, with trade winds providing ideal racing conditions while temperatures remain comfortable for outdoor activities. Visitors should book accommodations well in advance, particularly on Bora Bora where demand peaks during the race weekend. Many hotels offer special packages that include race viewing opportunities, cultural activities, and transportation between islands.
Inter-island transportation during race week requires advance planning, with Air Morea and Tahiti Air Charter providing additional flights to accommodate increased demand. Ferry services between islands may operate modified schedules to support race logistics, making early booking essential for spectators planning to follow the entire race.
Photography and documentation
The stunning natural settings and dramatic racing action create exceptional photography opportunities throughout the three-day event. The contrast between traditional outrigger canoes and the tropical paradise setting provides unique imagery that captures both the athletic intensity and cultural significance of the competition. Professional and amateur photographers find endless subjects, from the determination on paddlers' faces to the spectacular landscapes that frame each stage.
Drone photography requires special permits and coordination with race organizers to ensure safety and avoid interference with competition. Many photographers combine race coverage with broader documentation of Polynesian culture and island life, creating comprehensive visual stories that extend beyond the sporting aspects.
Accommodation and travel packages
Specialized travel companies offer comprehensive packages that include inter-island transportation, accommodation, race viewing opportunities, and cultural activities. These packages often provide the most convenient way to experience the full scope of Hawaiki Nui Va'a while ensuring optimal viewing positions and cultural immersion opportunities. Independent travelers should focus on booking accommodations on Bora Bora first, as options there become limited quickest.
Many visitors choose to extend their stay beyond the race weekend, using the event as a launching point for broader exploration of French Polynesia's natural and cultural attractions. The Society Islands offer world-class diving, hiking, cultural sites, and relaxation opportunities that complement the excitement of race weekend.
Reserve your accommodations now for October 29-November 1, 2025, and prepare to witness the ultimate expression of Polynesian seafaring tradition at Hawaiki Nui Va'a. Whether you follow the entire three-day journey or focus on the spectacular finish at Matira Beach, this legendary race offers an unmatched combination of athletic excellence, cultural celebration, and natural beauty. Book your inter-island transportation, plan your viewing strategy, and get ready to experience the magic of outrigger racing in the heart of the South Pacific, where ancient traditions meet modern competition in the world's most beautiful racing venue.
