We Threw Our Canoe Off the Pier! 2026 Queen Liliʻuokalani Race (World’s Largest Outrigger Race)

18 miles, no crew changes, giant ocean swells, and chaos at the starting line! 🌊🛶 Welcome aboard for our crew's very first time competing in the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi—the largest outrigger canoe race in the world! We tackled this iconic race "Iron" style (meaning all 18 miles with the same six paddlers in the waʻa—zero water changes!). From throwing our canoe off the Kailua-Kona pier to get in the water, to dealing with a rogue false-start horn, to navigating massive ocean swells and reef drops, this race was an absolute wild ride from start to finish. ⚠️ Camera note: My battery gave out right before the very end, when we had to climb out on the sharp reef and rocks at the finish line—but the energy, cheers, and raw ocean power along the way made this an unforgettable journey! Big mahalo to everyone who cheered us on from the boats, shoreline, and pier! 🌊 STAMPS TO THE BEST MOMENTS: [00:00:00] - Get Ready to Lift [00:02:05] - Get Canoe Into the Water [00:02:59] - Get in the Wa'a [00:22:58] - False Start (Who blew that horn?!) [00:36:10] - Real Start [00:44:15] - We Love You too Kai 'Opua! #KailuaFanClub [01:05:00] - First Ultralites Passing Through [01:27:53] - Tiny Planet View Mahalo to ‪@KoaKenCanoe‬ for keeping my ‪@insta360‬ camera secure with your leash and case! 📸 Connect & Follow Along: Website: KendallLeue.com Instagram: ‪@kendallleue‬ 🤙 Drop a comment below: Have you paddled Queen's before, or are you planning to do your first iron race? Don't forget to like & subscribe for more Hawaii ocean adventures, surfing, and lifestyle moments!