The Queen Lilli'uokalani Races are usually held at the end of August, over the Labour Day Weekend, and are held by Kai Opua Canoe Club of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. The races are along the coast of Kailua-Kona and approximately 2,000 paddlers gather for the races. It is billed as the 'world's largest canoe races' with approximately 80-120 women's and 110-180 men's teams taking part. The start line is nearly 1km long with so many canoes spread over the ocean.

On Saturday, the OC6 races are held. The Wahines paddle down the coast some 30km from Kailua-Kona to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Bay (Place of Refuge). The Open division is Iron. Only Masters and older are allowed to do this race as a change race.

It is easiest to divide the race into 6 parts, with each part being 20 minutes or so. If you visualize the race as a series of 20 minute time-trials, it will be easier to handle. It is also always fun to pick off boats to hunt down during the race to break it down even further.

See map for details:
- Part 1: Kailua-Kona to Kamoa Point
- Part 2: Kamoa Point to Keahou
- Part 3: Keahou to Keikiwaha Point
- Part 4: Keikiwaha Point to Keawakaheka Point
- Part 5: Keawakaheka Point to Ke'ei
- Part 6: Ke'ei to Honaunau Bay

The Kane paddle the canoes back from Honaunau Bay to Kailua-Kona, so the above will be in reverse order.

You might want to check out the points of reference from the road a few days before the race so you can put landmarks to each point (i.e. big hotels/cliffs located along the coast).

The Wahine race is early in the morning and is usually very calm to flat water. After 30 minutes, the escort boats come for the change division and these create the most wash. Spray skirts will be needed (unless you are far ahead!). The (small) ocean swells come in on the non-ama side for the wahines, into shore. There will be some swells to take advantage of. Stay close to shore to get the backwash from the land also.

The Kane race is straight after the wahines have arrived in Honaunau Bay. The men need to drive down sharply after seeing the wahine start. No hanging around or you will miss your start. As per the wahine race, but in reverse. Small swells are on the ama-side, spray skirts are needed. Stay close to shore to take advantage of the backwash from the land.

The Party on Saturday night is really good fun. There is a torchlight parade, followed by a Lu'au, a live band and dancing into the small hours.

On Sunday, the double-hull, OC1 and OC2 races are held. The double-hull races are billed as the 'hangover races' and are great fun. This race is only about 40 minutes long, from Kailua-Kona to Keahou Bay. As per Saturday, the wahines go down along the coast and the kanes bring the canoes back. The kane need to leave before the start of the wahines race or they will miss their start. You must remember to pick up the 4"x4" log to tie the two canoes together early on Saturday afternoon to ensure that you get a double-hull for the race. These logs can be hard to come by. Try to arrange a crew to paddle with early on.

It will be possible to borrow OC1's or OC2's if you are interested. These races are also short. About 50 minutes or so. The canoes can be borrowed at registration on Saturday afternoon, or earlier on through the outrigger.org.