Outrigger canoes are sleek racing boats ubiquitous in Hawaiian coastal waters, with a slender main hull and a parallel pontoon (or outrigger) connected by wooden arms to increase stability. Outrigger configurations include the swift six-person (OC6), manned by a steersperson and five paddlers, and the single-person (OC1). Besides racing, outrigger canoes are popular for fishing and tourist recreation.

Blending ancient design with modern refinement, outrigger canoes have been central to the Hawaiian maritime culture for over 2,000 years. First introduced by Polynesian voyagers around 200 AD, these double-hulled crafts were instrumental in the original settlement of the islands, ferrying people and vital provisions across the vast Pacific. Adopted by native islanders, outrigger vessels soon became mainstays for fishing, cargo transport, and gaining access to rugged volcanic shores.

Ancient Hawaiians built elegant watercraft by hollowing massive Koa trees, some spanning an entire hull. Distinctive in their singular hull-and-float design suited to ocean conditions, traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoes resulted from communal efforts involving woodworkers, builders, and priests.

Outrigger canoes transcend mere functionality as watercraft. Chiefs staged lively races as early as the 1700s to showcase tribal paddling prowess. Though temporarily banned under missionary rule, King David Kalakaua revived the popular pastime in the late 1800s. The 20th century saw organizations like the Outrigger Canoe Club popularize the sport alongside surfing and replicas of traditional voyaging canoes, such as Hokule’a, showcase ancient sailing skills and reignite cultural pride. Today, outrigger racing draws dedicated paddlers locally and globally, continuing the traditions.