Event· Raiatea· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Hawaiki Nui Va'a Stage (Raiatea)
16° 43.8′ S · 151° 26.6′ W · approximate
French Polynesia's great outrigger-canoe race: about 80 miles over three days from Huahine through Raiatea and Taha'a to the finish at Matira Beach, Bora Bora. Raiatea's lagoon fills with canoes, escort boats and parties.
Practical
2026 edition: 28–30 October, starting from the Fare quay in Huahine (Tahiti Tourisme). More than 2,000 paddlers take part. Expect heavy boat traffic, crowded anchorages and chase boats in the passes and inner channel, so book Escales stays early. Exact Raiatea finish and start points vary by year; check the race programme. Position is Uturoa (approximate).
Best for
Watching the biggest va'a race from the water
Season
Late October / early November
Nearby
- Champion UturoaRight here
- Escales Anchorage Booking (DPAM, Raiatea–Taha'a)Right here
- Gas Bottle Refills (Raiatea)Right here
- Raiatea Tourism Office (Uturoa ferry terminal)Right here
- Uturoa Town (Leeward capital)Right here
- Uturoa Town QuayRight here
- Uturoa Waterfront Snacks & RoulottesRight here
- Bon Apetahi Bakery (Uturoa)0.1 NM away