Hawaiki Nui Va'a: 3 days, 4 islands, 1 legendary race

A legendary race in the heart of the Pacific

The Hawaiki Nui Va'a is much more than a sporting competition. It's a celebration of Polynesian identity , an ode to the ocean and teamwork. Every year, this outrigger canoe (va'a) race brings together hundreds of paddlers from across the Pacific to take on an extraordinary challenge: crossing the lagoons and passes between the sacred islands of the Leeward Islands, sometimes in extreme conditions.

Created in 1992 , the Hawaiki Nui Va'a quickly became the flagship event of the Polynesian sporting calendar. It embodies the values ​​of courage , perseverance and solidarity , while highlighting the natural and cultural beauty of French Polynesia.

Va'a: between ancestral heritage and high-level sport

The va'a, or Polynesian outrigger canoe, is a powerful symbol of Oceanic culture. Once used for navigation between islands, it is now at the heart of a demanding sport where technique , power , and strategy are essential. Hawaiki Nui Va'a is contested in V6 (teams of six paddlers), but also in V1 (solo), V12 (double V6), and in sprint or long-distance formats.

Every rower, whether amateur or professional, carries within them the heritage of Polynesian navigators . The race is punctuated by songs, dances and traditional ceremonies, reinforcing the link between sporting performance and living culture.

A legendary route between Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora

The main course of the Hawaiki Nui Va'a extends over three stages on the high seas:

– Step 1: Huahine → Raiatea   

– Step 2: Raiatea → Taha’a   

– Step 3: Taha’a → Bora Bora 

These crossings, stretching for dozens of kilometers , put the rowers to a severe test. The channels are sometimes rough , the currents unpredictable , and the swell can reach several meters . Team cohesion , ocean reading skills , and the ability to surf the waves are all crucial factors for reaching the podium.

For the junior, women's, and veteran 60+ categories, shorter but equally technical lagoon courses are offered. Finally, the final day, called the Aere, takes place in the Bora Bora lagoon, on a closed circuit, in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

A popular and cultural celebration

Local and international media are covering the event, attracting thousands of viewers both in person and online. For sponsors and partners, it's an exceptional showcase for Polynesia , its values , and its dynamism.

Focus on Hawaiki Nui Va'a 2025: an edition under the sign of mana

The 32nd edition of the Hawaiki Nui Va'a will take place from October 29th to November 1st, 2025. It is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history , with the participation of the best clubs from French Polynesia and internationally.

Key dates and program

– October 29: Huahine → Raiatea   

– October 30: Raiatea → Taha'a   

– October 31: Taha'a → Bora Bora   

– November 1: air in the lagoon of Bora Bora 

The Taurea (juniors), Vaa Hine (women) and Veterans 60+ categories will compete in lagoon stages, between Tumaraa, Uturoa and Taha'a.

As for the aere, it's the breath of the lagoon.  Organized the day after the last official stage of the Hawaiki Nui Va'a, this final sprint in the crystal-clear waters of Bora Bora isn't a race for rankings . It's a celebration. Open to young people , veterans , companies , and amateur paddlers , the aere embodies the spirit of sharing and passing on traditions . In the lagoon, the outrigger canoes glide like arrows, propelled by applause and the mana of the land. It's va'a in its most generous form: festive , inclusive , and profoundly Polynesian.

Favorites and sporting stakes

Among the expected teams, Air Tahiti , Shell Va'a , OPT , Hinaraurea , and several international teams will compete for the victory. The Air Tahiti team , led by Hotuiterai Poroi, is finally aiming for the title after six consecutive podium finishes. “We’ve finished third three times and second three times. It’s time to go for that win,” the paddler said after his solo victory.

In the women's competition, Marguerite Temaiana , three-time defending champion in V1, will be highly anticipated. Young talents like Nateahi Sommer , winner in the junior category, could also cause an upset.

Demanding conditions

The 2025 edition promises to be a technical affair. During the Hawaiki Nui Solo in September, rowers faced two-meter waves and sustained winds. These conditions could repeat themselves in October, making ocean reading and effort management even more crucial.

The V6 race will demand perfect cohesion , a sharp strategy , and the ability to adapt to the elements . Teams will also have to manage recovery between stages , equipment logistics , and inter-island travel.

A meticulous organization

The Hawaiki Nui Va'a organization mobilizes hundreds of volunteers , local associations , private partners , and public institutions . Security , va'a transport , team reception , and media coverage are all meticulously orchestrated.

“It’s a big organization with significant logistics due to the transportation of equipment, security, and travel to different sites,” explains Tutu Maamaatuaiahutapu, president of Hawaiki Nui Solo.

A communion with Fenua

Beyond the competition, the Hawaiki Nui Va'a 2025 will be a celebration of Polynesian mana . Each stage will be an opportunity to reconnect with traditions and share powerful moments between paddlers, spectators, and local communities. Songs , dances , offerings , and the opening and closing ceremonies will strengthen the link between sport and culture.

Ultimately

The Hawaiki Nui Va'a is a unique event in the world . It combines sporting performance , cultural heritage , and human connection . The 2025 edition promises intense moments , unexpected twists , and total immersion in the world of Polynesian va'a.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a Polynesian lover, or simply curious, don't miss this legendary race. Follow the stages, feel the excitement of the rowers, and let yourself be carried away by the breath of the Pacific.