Queen Lili‘uokalani Canoe Race returns after 2-year hiatus

A member of Team Wailea’s victorious Iron Non Koa Open Division paddles Saturday afternoon in the Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race’s signature 18-mile long distance race. (Tom Linder/West Hawaii Today)

The Kai Opua Canoe Club won the men’s Iron Koa Open Division of the Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race’s signature 18-mile long distance race Saturday. (Tom Linder/West Hawaii Today)

A paddler competes at the Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race’s signature 18-mile long distance race Saturday. (Tom Linder/West Hawaii Today)

A Paddlers of Laka competitor grimaces after his crew crossed the finish line in Kailua Bay at the Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race’s signature 18-mile long distance race Saturday. (Tom Linder/West Hawaii Today)

The first canoe approaches the women’s finish line in Honaunau Bay at the Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race’s signature 18-mile long distance race Saturday. (Tom Linder/West Hawaii Today)

KAILUA-KONA – Under pristine conditions, Hawaii finally welcomed the world back to the largest long-distance outrigger race on the planet.