Watch more than 500 athletes from Hawaii to Hong Kong race traditional outrigger canoes in the tricky waters of Lower Manhattan. It’s one part of a FREE Polynesian festival that includes hula lessons and dance performances, lei making workshops, Polynesian music, NYC food trucks serving Hawaiian-style fare, and more.
Hawaii comes to New York for the 20th annual Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge, the largest Pacific Islands festival on the East Coast, and one of the world’s most competitive outrigger races, this Saturday, June 11, from 11AM to 7PM.
The sponsors tell us that it is the most competitive race field for outrigger canoes in the event’s history, with teams expected from Europe, Asia, the Pacific region and throughout the Americas.
The festival at Hudson River Park’s Pier 26 at North Moore St. in Tribeca.
There’s also a Family Tent with a full schedule of activities, including storytelling and a ukelele jam.
Liberty Challenge Schedule:
10:00 AM Festival Opens
11:00 AM Global Harmony hula
11:30 AM: Men’s Race Starts
11:45 AM: Hawaiian Airlines Featured Chef Andrew Le Sampling Demo
12:15 PM: Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders
2:20 PM: Polynesian Voyaging Society speaker
2:45 PM: Hula Lesson with Kaina
6:00 PM: Evening Luau Opens
6:30 PM: Polynesian Dance Productions
7:30 PM: Medal Presentation
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