Inspiration

Around 1850, canoe racing, known as hei hei wa‘a, became a popular sport during the reign of King Kamehameha V. However, some missionaries persuaded Queen Ka’ahumanu to ban surfing, canoe racing, and hula. These cultural activities remained suppressed until 1875 when King David Kalākaua, the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, led their revival. He even designated his birthday, November 16, as the official annual ocean sport regatta day, which included diverse water sports and was held at Aloha Tower, where the King’s Healani Hale Boat House also was located.

The Venue: Waikīkī Yacht Club

Situated on the edge of Waikiki in the heart of Honolulu, the Waikiki Yacht Club is a premier location for all water sports enthusiasts and spectators. With its breathtaking views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean, the club — and nearby Magic Island in Ala Moana Beach Park — offers an ideal setting for an oceanfest of this magnitude. The facilities at Waikiki Yacht Club are top-notch, providing everything from docking services to dining options, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

The Founding of Waikiki Yacht Club (WYC)

The Waikiki Yacht Club (WYC) was founded by a passionate group of yachtsmen who cherished the exceptional sailing and yacht racing conditions in Hawaiian waters experienced before World War II. The onset of the war, marked by the bombing of Pearl Harbor, brought a halt to organized yachting as non-military watercraft were banned from potentially dangerous waters. However, as World War II drew to a close, a dedicated group of sailors began refurbishing their boats with a clear vision in mind: to revive yacht racing in Honolulu and to establish a yacht club to support this endeavor.

The Inception and Growth of WYC

In the club's inaugural year, 37 charter members joined forces to bring their vision to life. George Over Jr. served as the club's first commodore, leading this enthusiastic assembly.

The original board of directors consisted of notable figures such as Duke Kahanamoku and Dick Soelberg, with critical contributions from John Child, Bob Miller, Art Myhre, and Guy Rothwell. Duke Kahanamokuʻs yacht is still at the Waikiki Yacht Club. 

Commitment to Youth Sailing

In 1947, the WYC established one of Hawaii's first junior sailing programs. This program has remained steadfast in its mission to impart sailing skills to the youth of Hawaii, nurturing many talented sailors.

Among its distinguished alumni are Dave McFaull and Mike Rothwell, who achieved international acclaim by winning silver medals in the Tornado class at the 1976 Olympic Games.

The legacy of the Waikiki Yacht Club is a testament to the resilience and dedication of its founders and members, who have not only revived but also enriched the tradition of yachting in Hawaiian waters.

Outrigger Canoe Paddling Program

Duke Kahanamoku, who was one of WYCʻs original charter members, was passionate about outrigger canoe paddling. His vision to include a program at Waikiki Yacht Club, which is situated on Royal Hawaiian Crown Lands, lives on.

The more than 100 paddlers on the Waikiki Yacht Club Outrigger Team, ranging from ages 9 to 79, strive to carry on Duke’s tremendous waterman legacy and Hawaiian traditions as designated in the club’s charter.  The club is competitive, coming in first place in the Hui Waʻa Championship Single A Division in 2025.

Youth participation is a primary focus of the paddling program. Outrigger canoe paddling at WYC not only fosters athleticism and teamwork, but plays a role in preserving and celebrating our rich Hawaiian cultural heritage.

Our paddling program provides youth and adult athletes with a holistic experience that connects them to the land, sea, and community.

Through this program, paddlers develop resilience, leadership, and a sense of pride in Hawai‘i’s cultural identity, all while learning important life skills on the water.