KIRA Race #1 – Nico’s Kailua Hopena Legacy Race
NICO’S KAILUA HOPENA LEGACY RACE
KIRA #1. Kailua Beach Park
SUNDAY January 4, 2026
Results
Divisions: OC3 – OC6, OC-2, OC-1, Surfski, SUP, Prone paddleboard, V-1.
- Note: Prone and paddleboard short course only.
Long Course: 8 miles. Start on shore fronting the Mokulua Islands (formerly known as Sandbags). Split the Mokulua Islands and head north towards Castle’s, enter the canal, turn on a buoy at Nico’s, exit the canal and finish at Kailua Beach Park.
Short Course: 5 miles. Kailua Beach Park to Nico’s and back to Kailua Beach Park
Keiki Course: 1 mile. Start and finish off the beach.
Timeline:
Check in 7:00 – 8:30 am Kailua Beach Park behind Kalapawai Market.
Keiki Course: 9:15 am
Short Course: 10:00 am
Long Course: 10:15 am (men and mixed at 10:20).
Race Briefings: Keiki course 9:00 am
Long and short 9:45 am
Pre-Registration Only: $40.00 per paddler ($20.00 for Juniors 18 and under CODE: KIRAJR) online at https://flpregister.com/ until MIDNIGHT FRIDAY JANUARY 2RD
NO Late registration on race day: Check in at KAILUA BEACH PARK, behind Kalapawai Market
Check in by text to Joey (808)753-7685 for those with the official green and black numbers
Insurance:
NEW PROCEDURE. Everyone needs to purchase the ANNUAL American Canoe Association (ACA) membership. This is a one time procedure that will cover ALL Kanaka Ikaika races in 2026. You will not need to sign a waiver for each race.
- If you are NOT an ACA member, please purchase your annual insurance here: https://aca.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/1320/home
- If you are an ACA member, please renew your membership here:
https://aca.sport80.com/
The HOPENA Foundation
Make a $35.00 donation to the Hopena Foundation and receive a Hopena Legacy Race T shirt. Shirts will also be sold at Nico’s after the race:
The HOPENA Foundation was established to honor the life and legacy of Hopena Pokipala, an extraordinary paddler, steersman, surfer and all-around waterman whose deep connection to the ocean reflected his strength, discipline, and humility. Even more than his athletic achievements, Hopena was known for his unwavering commitment to his ʻohana and his community, consistently demonstrating generosity, leadership, and a quiet dedication to lifting others up. In that spirit, the HOPENA Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the spirit and values of HOPENA by empowering youth through scholarships and community engagement to pursue goals aligned with their heritage and aspirations. The essence of HOPENA, embodies staying deeply connected to family and community, fostering environmental stewardship and a profound bond with the land, and honoring the wisdom and traditions of Hawaiian watermen and waterwomen.
Mahalo in advance for your donation to the HOPENA Foundation.
At the end of the race join us for ono kine grinds at Nico’s Kailua with a variety of Lanikai Brewing Co. beers on tap 
and prizes from our sponsors:
