International rowing crews from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Tahiti and the UK will compete alongside 75 American crews — with more than 60 from Hawai’i — in the upcoming 2016 Queen Lili’uokalani Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Races. Ranking as the largest long-distance outrigger canoe race in the world, the five-day event commences Sept. 5. Competitions include Wa’a Kaukahi (single hull canoes), with women paddlers covering 18 miles from Kailua Bay to Honaunau, and men paddling the same distance back to Kailua Bay. Other race categories for Wa’a Kaulua (double hull canoes), Teen (single hull canoes) and Stand-up Paddleboards will take place throughout the multiday event. The Ali’i Challenge for single hull canoes with 12-person teams and two mixed crews are also highlights. New this year, the Hulakai OC4 (four-person canoes) Sprint Relay Race will set off from the bay at Kailua pier. Rules require one member of each team do a brief stand-up paddling segment before reaching the finish line. Fun fact: The historic Kai ‘Opua Canoe Club was formed in 1929, made up of 20 men and 12 women. The club hosted its first regatta in 1932 in Napo’opo’o Bay.