The Islands of Tahiti Host the 26th Annual Hawaiki Nui Va’a This November

October 13, 2017 in Experience

Over 100 teams will compete from November 1st – 3rd, 2017, marking this event as one of the largest & most arduous canoe racing competitions in the world

NEW YORK, NY – October 12th, 2017 – The Islands of Tahiti, composed of the five archipelagos and 118 islands in French Polynesia, will be hosting their 26th annual Hawaiki Nui Va’a, November 1st – 3rd, 2017. A race that draws locals as well as participants from all across the world, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a is an international contest featuring the legendary Polynesian outrigger canoes called va’a, with over a hundred teams competing against each other in an arduous race that traverses some of the most breathtaking terrain in the world.

Hawaiki Nui Va’a is considered to be the most difficult V6 canoe race in the world with 128km, or around 80 miles, to paddle in only three days. The race consists in three stages without crew change in the open ocean and in the lagoon. The race schedule is as follows:

  • During the first stage, participants will paddle from Huahine to Raiatea over a distance of 44.5km (~27 mi) in the open ocean.
  • The second stage is a speed race of about 26km (~16 mi) in the lagoon starting from Raiatea and then circling the island of Taha’a.
  • The third stage of 58.2km (~36 mi) will link Taha’a to Bora Bora with a finish line starting from Raiateu on Bora Bora’s mythical Matira beach.The va’a is a type of craft that is visible throughout daily life in French Polynesia. Originally used as a means of transport, for communication and for different types of fishing, the canoe is now most commonly associated with racing. Alongside racers from various parts of French Polynesia including Tahiti, The Tuamotus and the Marquesas, international teams from France, the USA, New Zealand, Germany and New Caledonia will compete as well.For travelers interested in learning more about the 26th Hawaiki Nui Va’a, please visit www.tahititourisme.com for more information.About Tahiti Tourisme United States

Tahiti Tourisme United States (TTUS) is the Destination Marketing Office (DMO) for the country of French Polynesia, more commonly known as The Islands of Tahiti. As the DMO for The Islands of Tahiti, TTUS oversees all marketing, advertising, public relations, promotions, events and travel advisor programs in the United States. TTUS works regularly with airline, cruise line, hotel, resort, tour operator, travel advisor and consortia partners from prospective business development to product launch and

ultimately into marketing initiatives.

About The Islands of Tahiti

Located in the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti are just eight hours by air from Los Angeles. Surrounded by pristine, crystal clear blue waters, the 118 islands and atolls offer natural beauty, authentic island culture, and unique French Polynesian style. The Islands of Tahiti are world-renowned for their white-sand beaches, stunning turquoise lagoons and varied landscapes ranging from coral atolls to volcanic mountain peaks. Each island offers a variety of accommodation experiences from luxurious

resorts with overwater villas, to family guesthouses, to sailing via private charter or scheduled cruise. Privacy comes naturally in The Islands of Tahiti and offers visitors the space to relax and reconnect and to be Embraced by Mana. Mana is the life force and spirit that connects all things in The Islands of Tahiti. Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America and in the same time zone as Hawaii. For further information,

visit www.tahititourisme.com or call (310) 414-8484.