Public domain, Wikimedia Commons (route map)Event· Taha'a· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Hawaiki Nui Va'a Stage (Patio)
16° 35.0′ S · 151° 29.8′ W · approximate
French Polynesia's biggest outrigger-canoe race crosses the Leewards over three days. Day two races Raiatea to Taha'a around the lagoon, day three races Taha'a to Matira Beach on Bora Bora across open sea, and Patio hosts the Taha'a leg.
Practical
Position approximate: Patio village (OSM). 2026 edition, V6 marathon: Wednesday 28 Oct Huahine–Raiatea; Thursday 29 Oct Raiatea–Taha'a; Friday 30 Oct Taha'a–Bora Bora; Saturday 31 Oct Bora Bora 'Aere'. The 2026 solo edition was cancelled. French Wikipedia gives the Raiatea–Taha'a lagoon sprint as about 22–27 km and the open-ocean stage to Matira as about 58 km. Expect hundreds of canoes and escort boats in the Taha'a lagoon and channels on race days, so keep clear of the course and expect the ZMRs near Patio to fill. Organiser: ftvaa.pf.
Best for
Watching the race from the lagoon
Season
Late Oct–early Nov each year (28–30 Oct in 2026)