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

A legendary race in the heart of the Pacific

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

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

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

The va'a, or Polynesian canoe, is a strong symbol of Oceanic culture. Formerly used for navigation between islands, it is today at the heart of a demanding sport, where the technical, power and strategy are essential. Hawaiki Nui Va'a is contested in V6 (team of six rowers), but also in V1 (solo), V12 (double V6), and in sprint or long distance formats.

Every rower, whether amateur or professional, carries within him theheritage of Polynesian navigatorsThe 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, long several tens of kilometers, put the rowers to the test. The passes are sometimes choppy unpredictable currents, And the swell can reach several meters. The team cohesion, ocean reading and ability to surf waves are all determining factors in hoping to reach 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

On local and international media cover the event, attracting thousands of spectators on site and online. For sponsors and partners, it is a exceptional showcase of Polynesia, of its values and its dynamism.

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

The 32nd edition of Hawaiki Nui Va'a will take place from 29 October au 1er November 2025. It is already shaping up to be one of the the most challenging in history, with the participation of the best clubs from Fenua 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 air, it is 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 Borais not a race for ranking. It's a celebration. Open to jeunes, to vétérans, to BUSINESSES and amateur rowers, the air embodies thespirit of sharing and legacyIn the lagoon, the canoes glide like arrows, carried by the applause and the mana of the fenua. This is va'a in its most generous form: festive, inclusive, and deeply Polynesian.

Favorites and sporting stakes

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

In women, Marguerite Temaiana, triple title holder in V1, will be highly anticipated. Young talents like Nateahi Sommer, victorious in the juniors, could also create a surprise.

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 require a perfect cohesion, a sharp strategy and ability to adapt to the elements. Teams will also have to manage the recovery between stages, material 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. The security, transport of va'a reception of the teams and media coverage are orchestrated with rigor.

“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 manaEach stage will be an opportunity to reconnect with traditions, share highlights between rowers, spectators and locals. chants dances offerings and opening ceremonies and fenced will strengthen the link between sport and culture.

Ultimately

Hawaiki Nui Va'a is a unique event in the world. She combines sports performance, cultural heritage et human communionThe 2025 edition promises intense moments, twists, and an full 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.