The Na Wahine Hoe is a paddling race from Moloka'i to "Oahu.  Paddlers from all over (mainland, Australia and Tahiti) compete.  There are twelve women in each crew to paddle their six woman canoe over the channel.  Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot of excitement from the shore when watching for the crews to come in, and the women often have a difficult time finding sponsors for their race. 

The race committee came up with the idea to liven up the finish line and asked me if I would bring the 'Iolani girls to dance.  The girls were of course willing and we prepared a show.  Thankfully they picked up HMSA as a sponsor and sold it as a promotion for women's health through an active lifestyle. 

The all female event of dancing and paddling was a hit!  Tons of people gathered at the shoreline when the girls started to dance. 

They greeted the first through seventh place winners. There were news clips on the event and radio coverage. 

A few days prior to the men's race the coordinators were told by sponsors to create the finish line like the Na Wahine Hoe.  We were called at the last minute and asked to perform a repeat of the show.  The girls were gracious enough to participate on short notice and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 

On October 9th, one hundred and six men's crews (nine men per crew) participated in the annual Molokai Hoe.  The girls welcomed the 1st through fifth place winners to shore with their performance and gave them leis.  This time the crowd was much larger and the race officials estimated at least a couple thousand people on shore watching the program, cheering on the paddlers and soaking up the sun!

Both races were successful at creating a festive and colorful ending as the dancers set the tone with their bright costumes and upbeat hula.  The dancers attracted both kama'aina (locals) and malihini (tourist) a like to the finish line.