Matson Vaka Eiva · 20th Anniversary
Twenty years.
One big paddle party.
20 – 27 November 2026 · Avarua, Rarotonga
- Race week starts in
Entries close Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59pm
Vaka Eiva2026
Vaka Eiva2026
Vaka Eiva2026
Vaka Eiva2026
Our major partners
Naming partner of the Matson Vaka Eiva, connecting Rarotonga with the wider Pacific.
A supporter of Vaka Eiva since the festival began, welcoming paddlers and supporters from around the world.
Kia orana koutou katoatoa
Welcome home to the vaka.
We warmly welcome everyone joining us to celebrate two decades of Matson Vaka Eiva this November. Some of you return to Rarotonga year after year for our vaka celebration, others are back after a few years away, and many are coming for your very first Vaka Eiva experience.
We’re thrilled to have you with us and are confident your time here will be unforgettable as you dive into Rarotonga’s week-long festival of oe vaka racing, culture, festivities and fun.
Roly Rolleston
Cook Islands Canoeing Association
The races
Open-ocean ironman, changeover relays and solo battles — weather permitting, every course is set for the best water of the day.
Round Raro Relay
A changeover relay around the island. Men’s and women’s crews of nine, mixed crews of ten, each with a local support boat.
Irons
Crews of six, no changes, one straight-shot battle for the Vaka Eiva title. Raced across every division.
Singles
Solo V1 and OC1 racing in the open ocean for men and women. Craft can be hired from local paddlers and clubs.
Mixed
Irons, Fun Race and Round Raro Relay with crews of men and women — a different dynamic on the water.
Divisions
A crew for every paddler.
Vaka Eiva caters to all ages and abilities — from the Oe Mapu juniors in the safety of Muri Lagoon right up to the golden masters on the open ocean.
Open water
- Open — any age over 18 (Men · Women · Mixed)
- Masters — 40 plus
- Senior Masters — 50 plus
- Mixed Masters & Senior Masters — 40+ / 50+
Oe Mapu · Juniors — Muri Lagoon
- Under 19 Men & Women — 19 and under
- Under 16 Men & Women — 16 and under
- Under 14 Mixed — 14 and under (min. three female paddlers)
Highlights
It’s not all a hard slog on the water. The race schedule leaves time to explore the island, vendors fill the Vaka Village through the week, and we wrap up with the Official Closing Ceremony, dinner and a show.
Quick links
Everything you need
Event Info
Race schedule, rules & safety, results and history.
Plan Your Trip
Where to stay and what to do on Rarotonga.
Volunteer
Be part of the crew that makes the week happen.
Lost Paddlers
Solo paddler or short a seat? Find a crew here.
On the water
Moments from Vaka Eiva
Turou oro mai, aere mai!
See you on the water.
20 – 27 November 2026 · Entries close Sunday 1 November