Canoe Paddling in the island dates back to ancient Hawaiians as a way of transportation which today has evolved into a club sport for all ages. There are about 4,000 paddlers in O’ahu's two paddling associations. Some of the clubs in Kailua are Lanikai Canoe Club, Kailua Canoe Club and Hawaiian Outrigger Kai Oni. Each club uses the waters in and aruond Kailua Bay to practice in the six man canoes. Kailua Beach is also one of the areas used for regattas where teams from all over the island come to compete.

There are six seats in the canoe and all paddlers need to stroke in unison except for number six who is the steersman and guides the canoe. The paddler in seat one sets the timing of the stroke and number two counts the stroke and calls out changes.

Paddling clubs include members of all ages, boys and girls to men and women. Age categories range from 12 and under and up to Seniors. The race distances vary from a 1/4 mile and up and they are held throughout the day starting with the young paddlers. While each racing team will place in their event it is the accumuluation of points scored for placement that determines the winner of the regatta.