Kia orana and welcome to Vaka Eiva 2026, a landmark celebration marking 20 years of one of the Pacific’s most iconic outrigger canoe festivals.

This November, the heartbeat of the Pacific returns to the shores of Rarotonga as paddlers, supporters, families and communities gather for a week of oe vaka racing, culture, connection and island hospitality. Since its launch in 2004, Vaka Eiva has grown from a vision to revive and celebrate Cook Islands oe vaka heritage into a major international paddling festival, welcoming crews from across the Pacific and around the world.

Vaka Eiva is the biggest event on the Cook Islands sporting calendar, bringing together paddlers of all ages and abilities, from Oe Mapu junior divisions through to masters and senior masters competitors. Across the week, participants will take on ocean irons, singles, lagoon regattas, sprints, marathons and the legendary Round Raro Relay, all set against the unforgettable backdrop of Rarotonga.

The 20th anniversary programme celebrates the past, present and future of Vaka Eiva. It honours the traditions, voyaging heritage and community spirit that have shaped the event, while looking ahead to the next generation of paddlers. From the sacred blessing of the vaka to the final prizegiving, it is a celebration of culture, endurance, teamwork and the Cook Islands way of life.

Whether you are returning for another year or joining us for the very first time, we invite you to be part of this historic milestone.

Turou oro mai, aere mai and come and be part of Vaka Eiva 2026!

Programme of Events

Programme is subject to change. The official schedule is currently listed as draft and may be updated depending on final competitor numbers.

Day 1 — Friday 20 November

Paddler Registration & Vaka Blessings
Location: Vaka Shed, Avarua Wharf

The week begins at Avarua Wharf with paddler registration and the traditional blessing of the vaka. This opening moment sets the tone for the festival, grounding the week in respect, culture and connection before racing begins.

Day 2 — Saturday 21 November

Iron Races — All Divisions
Location: Avarua Wharf

Paddlers take to the water for the Iron Races across all divisions. These open-ocean races test strength, teamwork and endurance as crews battle it out for early honours.

Opening Ceremony

The official welcome ceremony brings paddlers, supporters and the wider community together to celebrate the start of Vaka Eiva’s 20th anniversary week.

Day 3 — Sunday 22 November

Rest Day

A day to recharge, explore Rarotonga and enjoy the island before a big week of paddling continues. Visitors are encouraged to relax, take in the beauty of the island and prepare for the days ahead. Please note that most shops are closed on Sundays.

Day 4 — Monday 23 November

Singles — All Divisions

V1 & OC1
Location: Avarua Wharf

Solo paddlers compete in the V1 and OC1 singles races across all divisions, taking on the challenge of open-ocean racing around Rarotonga.

Fun Mixed V6 Race
Location: Avarua Wharf
To be confirmed

A fun mixed-team race bringing paddlers together for a more social but still competitive experience on the water.

Day 5 — Tuesday 24 November

Oe Mapu Juniors Sprints

J14, J16 & J19 Regatta 
Location: Muri Lagoon

The focus turns to the next generation of paddlers with junior sprint racing in the beautiful and sheltered waters of Muri Lagoon. This regatta celebrates young talent, teamwork and the future of oe vaka in the Cook Islands.

Day 6 — Wednesday 25 November

Pacific Paddle Women’s Round Raro Relay Race
Location: Avarua Wharf

Women’s teams take on the iconic Round Raro Relay, a challenging changeover race around Rarotonga that showcases endurance, strategy and team coordination.

Pacific Cup Men’s Round Raro Relay Race
Location: Avarua Wharf

Men’s crews follow with their own Round Raro Relay, taking on the open ocean in one of Vaka Eiva’s signature race events.

Day 7 — Thursday 26 November

Oe Mapu Juniors Marathon

J14, J16 & J19 Regatta 
Location: Muri Lagoon

Junior paddlers return to Muri Lagoon for marathon racing, continuing the celebration of youth paddling and the next generation of vaka athletes.

Day 8 — Friday 27 November

Bob Worthington Memorial Trophy

Mixed Round Raro Relay

Mixed crews take on the Round Raro Relay in honour of the Bob Worthington Memorial Trophy, bringing together men and women paddlers for one of the festival’s most anticipated team races.

Closing Function, Prizegiving & Dinner

The official closing event celebrates the achievements of the week, with prizegiving, dinner and a final gathering of paddlers, supporters, volunteers and the Vaka Eiva community.

Day 9 — Saturday 28 November

Paddlers Pack Down Party

The festival closes with a community pack-down and thank-you gathering. Paddlers are invited to help local volunteers with the final tidy-up and enjoy refreshments afterwards.

Join us in Rarotonga from 20 - 27 November 2026 as Vaka Eiva celebrates 20 years of paddling, culture and Pacific connection.

Registration is now open

For more information, including how to register, visit vakaeiva.co.ck