MAHALO NUI LOA

Mahalo to All Who Made the 2025 Royal Regatta a Success!

Mahalo to all those who attended, raced in, entertained at, sponsored, and donated to the Waikiki Yacht Club's Royal Regatta held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Ala Moana Beach Park and Waikiki Yacht Club!

We're already planning for our 2026 Royal Regatta! The date will be announced soon, and we hope to see even more participants and spectators join us in this exciting celebration.

Forty-two teams with more than 300 competitors entered the race. 

One of the highlights was the double hull race, which included eight double hull canoes with 12 paddlers each - the adult race of its kind on Oahu.

The other unique race was the sailing-paddling relay race during which four teams of paddlers and sailors teamed up to paddle four miles in an outrigger canoe and then race a CAL20 sailboat on the same route.

It was an honor to pay tribute to King David Kalākaua, affectionately known as the “Merrie Monarch.” The King was instrumental in reviving Hawaiian canoe racing, hula, language, mele and culture. His legacy is a cornerstone of our celebration, reminding us of the rich heritage and traditions that define Hawai‘i.

This ocean festival, held annually in his honor, celebrates Kalākaua's legacy by promoting both traditional and contemporary ocean sports integral to Hawai‘i’s identity. The oli—Hawaiian chants and hula kahiko performances—pay tribute to him and his enduring impact on our culture. 

We are grateful to the Honorable Josh Green, MD, Governor of Hawai‘i, for co-chairing our event along with three other prestigious co-chairs, and to the Royal Hawaiian Band for performing as they did more than 150 years ago at the King's birthday celebration. 

We look forward to the years ahead as this canoe and sailing regatta grows and brings participants and spectators from around the globe. 

Together, we celebrate all that King David Kalākaua loved, fostering an environment of community, respect, and joy. 

We invite you to join us next year as we continue to honor his spirit and the vibrant culture of Hawai‘i.