Vaka Eiva 2025 is scheduled for 21–29 November in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, bringing a full week of outrigger canoe racing, culture, and island hospitality to the nation’s biggest sporting event. Registration is open on the official site, and the program spans singles, irons, juniors, and the iconic Round Raro Relay across multiple divisions.
What is Vaka Eiva
Vaka Eiva is the Cook Islands’ premier international outrigger canoe festival, drawing paddlers from across the Pacific, North America, and Europe to compete and celebrate va’a (oe vaka) culture in a welcoming, festival-style format. The event blends serious ocean racing with community activities, a Vaka Village marketplace, and cultural ceremonies anchored around Avarua Wharf, Muri Lagoon, and beloved local venues.
2025 dates and schedule
The 2025 edition runs 21–29 November, with activities beginning at Avarua Wharf and spreading across Rarotonga’s lagoons and coastline; the official program includes a blessing, multiple race formats, markets, dinners, and a wrap party. Key schedule highlights include the Traditional Blessing of Vaka and registration on Friday 21 Nov, Singles and a Fun Beach Day on Saturday 22 Nov, and an Opening Ceremony with dinner on Sunday 23 Nov. The week continues with V6 irons on Monday, juniors’ sprints Tuesday, women’s and men’s Round Raro Relay Wednesday, juniors’ marathon Thursday, the Mixed Round Raro Relay Friday, and the Closing Ceremony with prizegiving and dinner on Friday night.
Race formats and divisions
Racers can enter Singles (OC1/V1), V6 irons, and Round Raro changeover relays, with divisions spanning Opens, Masters, Senior Masters, and juniors (Oe Mapu), ensuring opportunities for all ages and abilities. The prestigious Round Raro Relay circumnavigates Rarotonga with changeover crews, while irons are straight-shot ocean contests for six paddlers; juniors compete in lagoon-based regattas and marathons tailored to youth categories.
Cultural heart and ceremonies
The festival begins with the Akatapu Vaka blessing, a traditional ceremony that sets the tone for a week rooted in Cook Islands heritage, respect for the ocean, and community values. Culture flows through performances, canoe-carving motifs, and craft trade days, while food, music, and social gatherings make the experience as warm and meaningful as the competition itself.
Community and sustainability
Vaka Eiva is organized by the Cook Islands Canoeing Association (CICA), the national body responsible for outrigger canoeing and kayaking, which also champions youth development and community charity initiatives. The event promotes sustainable practices such as reusable bottles, water stations, and foreshore cleanups, and includes fundraising activities like the Boiler Swim to support local programs.
Where it happens
Paddling action centers on Avarua Harbour, an ideal vantage for spectators to catch ocean race finishes near Trader Jacks, with juniors’ events hosted in the calm waters of Muri Lagoon. Festival touchpoints include the Vaka Shed at Avarua Wharf, Tamarind House for ceremonies and dinners, and Maire Nui Park for the night market, creating a compact and walkable event footprint.
Key 2025 highlights
- Traditional Blessing and registration at Avarua Wharf kick off the festival on 21 November.
- Singles OC1/V1 irons race on Saturday, with a social Beach Day at Vaiana’s to meet other crews.
- Women’s and Men’s Round Raro Relay races headline midweek, bringing the iconic circumnavigation challenge.
- Juniors get two spotlight days with sprints and a marathon in Muri Lagoon.
- The ANZ Vaka Eiva Night Market and the Closing Ceremony with dinner bookend a week of racing and celebration.
Registration and paddler pack
Entrants must purchase a Paddler Pack before entering events; this is a required part of the registration process for 2025 and is managed through the official website. The event site confirms the rule and provides the entry flow, with ongoing updates published via the official channels.
Who should attend
Vaka Eiva is ideal for competitive va’a teams, first-time paddlers seeking a supportive international festival, and travelers who love sport fused with authentic Polynesian culture. Spectators enjoy daily action from accessible shoreline spots, a lively village atmosphere, and social events that make connecting with the community easy and memorable.
Practical travel tips
- Timing and stays: Plan to arrive at least a day early to acclimatize ahead of a week of early starts and ocean conditions, staying through the Friday night Closing Ceremony to enjoy the full arc of the festival.
- Sunday rhythm: Many shops close on Sundays, so plan supplies and activities accordingly on the 23 November rest day.
- Gear and logistics: Single paddlers can typically hire a V1 or OC1 from local paddlers or clubs for a fee around NZD 100, subject to availability, and should confirm vessel arrangements well in advance.
Spectator experience
Avarua Harbour offers shoreline access with views of sprint finishes and ocean returns, creating an exciting viewing hub coupled with food and social venues. The night market at Maire Nui Park provides an evening gathering point, while Muri Lagoon’s junior regattas deliver family-friendly viewing in shallow, clear waters.
Training and conditions
Expect open-ocean irons and relay courses set according to daily weather, rewarding crews that prepare for variable winds, swell, and changeover timing. The Round Raro Relay is a demanding endurance test around the island, historically recognized with trophies like the Pacific Cup and Pacific Paddle for elite achievements.
Economic and social impact
The festival brings an estimated hundreds of visiting paddlers and supporters in the shoulder season, supporting hotels, restaurants, and local markets across Rarotonga. With craft vendors at the Vaka Village and community-led initiatives, the event creates meaningful engagement between visitors and Cook Islands businesses and charities.
Juniors and pathway
Oe Mapu juniors have dedicated sprint and marathon events, reflecting CICA’s strong youth development programs that begin in schools and clubs across the islands. This pathway builds skills from lagoon sprints to ocean marathons, linking local talent to the region’s broader va’a circuit.
How to plan a week at Vaka Eiva
- Friday–Sunday: Attend the blessing, pick up the Paddler Pack, join Singles or the Beach Day, then enjoy the Opening Ceremony and dinner.
- Monday–Tuesday: Watch or race V6 irons and juniors’ sprints, then explore the ANZ Vaka Eiva Night Market after prizegiving.
- Wednesday–Friday: Experience the signature Women’s, Men’s, and Mixed Round Raro Relay days, culminating with prizegiving, dinner, and the official wrap party.
Official sources and updates
The official website lists the 2025 dates, required Paddler Pack, division details, and the day-by-day schedule, with social channels confirming registration periods and headline information. The national tourism site provides an at-a-glance overview of dates, race types, and divisions with a direct link to the official site for entry.
Ready to paddle in paradise or cheer from the shore at the Cook Islands’ flagship sporting festival? Lock in 21–29 November for Vaka Eiva 2025 and start planning training, crews, and travel so the week of racing, culture, and island warmth becomes an unforgettable end-of-year adventure.
