Vaka Eiva 2024 in Rarotonga & Cook Islands

Vaka Eiva is the main sporting event on the Cook Islands and of the biggest paddling competition in the world. It annually takes place on Rarotonga. More than 1,000 entries every year makes this competition quite popular. The warm and clear waters attract paddlers from all over the world.

Vaka Eiva Program

This week-long festival includes a lot of various canoeing and paddling races. The most famous race is the Round Raro Relay, during which participants use a traditional canoe and paddle around the whole of Rarotonga island through the Muri lagoon.

For those who come to support the paddlers and watch the races, there are lots of things to do on land. Here you can find cultural activities, entertainment, dancing, the Go Local Trade Day, and traditional canoe carving. Vaka Eiva offers lots of interesting ways to spend your time at the festival. From its small beginning in 2004 this event became a big international competition, with over 65 races and thousand of participants from various countries.

Vaka Eiva 2024 Schedule

Vaka Eiva begins with a welcome ceremony on November 22, followed by Single Racing and Hula Bar Fun Mixed V6 Racing, as well as an opening function on November 23. November 24 is a rest day, while V6 Iron Racing and the Night Food Market take place on November 25.

Attendees can cheer for their favorites at Junior Sprints Day and the Boiler Swim on November 26, and at the Bob Worthington Memorial Mixed Changes Race on November 27. Don't forget about Junior Marathon Day on November 28. The final marathon day, November 29, will feature the Pacific Cup and Pacific Paddle Changes Races, along with the closing function.