Hawai‘i Island is the big stop before the Polynesian voyaging canoes leave for Tahiti on a three-year Pacific-wide voyage.

The voyaging canoes are sailing to Hilo for community events while making final preparations and awaiting favorable weather conditions to travel to French Polynesia.

Kai ‘Ehitu Canoe Club during Saturday's long-distance races in Kailua Bay. The Kona club won seven division events, which was ...