About Our Youth Program

Youth Paddling - About Our Youth Program

The mission of the Keauhou Youth Paddling and Racing program is to provide a well balanced competitive sports and cultural environment that will teach, develop and nurture youth in the sport and science of canoe racing and Hawaiian culture.

Two categories of youth programs are available, 7-11 year old age group and 12-18 year old age group, each of which learn proper paddling techniques, physical fitness and water safety with emphasis on education and instruction in Hawaiian culture. During race season practice is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and off-season on Thursday afternoons. We can provide transportation to/from various schools in Kailua Kona.  

The 7-11 year old keiki program is designed for youth who may not have paddled before, we teach the basics in paddling, importance of safety in the water and in the canoe, and hawaiian culture whether it be related to the Club, historic Keauhou Bay, paddling, or the importance of respect in the canoe and out of the water based upon traditions of Hawaiian culture.

The 12-18 year olds participate in MOKU ʻO HAWAII Regatta season from May through August at different locations on the island of Hawaiʻi. Practice sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with races on Saturday. Youth compete with other teams from clubs around the Island by age group, boys, girls, and mixed crews. There may be other races where Youth teams participate in special races outside of HCRA/MOKU or, in some cases The Queen Liliʻuokalani race held every year in Kailua Kona. Keauhou provides transportation for teams to the events and encourages individuals to build relationships with peers, learn team-based activities and to compete with Aloha.

There is a small fee that covers insurance for youth during practice and/or race season.  The member registration form can be found on our website, see "New Member Registration".