Through the rhythmic tones of Tahitian drums, AS Ihilani Va‘a celebrated a string of firsts as the squad featuring outrigger canoe paddlers predominantly from Tahiti knocked off five-time defending champion Team Bradley to win the 41st running of the Na Wahine O Ke Kai presented by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

AS Ihilani Va‘a completed the arduous crossing in 5 hours, 51 minutes and 4 seconds to hold off Team Bradley (5:51:49) as well as challengers Team TaiMana (6:03:06) of Australia, Lanikai Canoe Club (6:03:13) and Hui Nalu Canoe Club (6:09:59) of Oahu and Hawaiian Canoe Club (6:12:26) of Maui.

The victory early Sunday afternoon marked a series of historic milestones for Ihilani Va‘a: it became the first crew from Tahiti to win the prestigious race; the squad is the first other than

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