Bora Bora Lagoon hosts Hawaiki Nui Va'a on 31 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 08:18 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Hawaiki Nui Va'a 2026 reaches Bora Bora Lagoon (lagon de Bora Bora) from 28 to 31 October 2026, with its final races in Vaitape. The Polynesian outrigger canoe competition links Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora across four days.
For travellers from Western Europe, the key date is Saturday 31 October 2026, when Aere Va'a races are scheduled in the lagoon of Vaitape.
Hawaiki Nui Va'a reaches Vaitape on 31 October
The 33rd edition brings together more than 1,000 athletes in V6 canoes over a course exceeding 128 kilometres. Polynésie La 1ère reports that the programme runs from 28 to 31 October 2026 and will be covered on television, radio and digital platforms.
The third and final offshore stage starts from Taha'a on Friday 30 October 2026 and finishes at Bora Bora after 58.2 kilometres. On Saturday 31 October 2026, the event continues with Aere Va'a races in the lagoon of Vaitape. The published 2026 programme gives 31 October as the date for the lagoon races.
Bora Bora Lagoon provides the race setting
The lagoon surrounds the volcanic island and is separated from the open Pacific by a reef and smaller motu. Vaitape is the main town, with its quay serving as a practical arrival point for visitors staying on the island or on outer motu.
The race connects directly with the lagoon's geography: its long ocean stage arrives at Bora Bora on 30 October, while the following day's Aere Va'a races move into the sheltered waters near Vaitape. The official island information describes the lagoon, coral gardens, motu and Mount Otemanu as central features of the destination.
The 2026 race links four Leeward Islands
The opening stage on 28 October 2026 runs from Huahine to Raiatea, followed by a Raiatea to Taha'a stage on 29 October 2026. The Taha'a to Bora Bora crossing on 30 October 2026 is the longest stage identified in the programme.
That sequence gives the Vaitape races a distinct role within Hawaiki Nui Va'a. They are not simply the finish of the ocean crossing: they form a separate lagoon-based day in the same four-day programme.
Visiting Bora Bora Lagoon: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Hawaiki Nui Va'a runs from 28 to 31 October 2026; Aere Va'a races are scheduled in the lagoon of Vaitape on 31 October 2026.
- The event includes races in the lagoon, but the report does not announce a closure or a changed visitor entrance for the surrounding island.
- Vaitape is the main town and can be reached by boat from the airport motu or by local transport on the main island. The Vaitape quay is the island's principal public arrival point.
- Lagoon viewing involves open water, boat travel and access to motu or waterfront areas. Coral gardens, reef waters and changing sea conditions are part of the setting.
- French is the official language used in French Polynesia, and the national currency is the CFP franc.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Bora Bora Lagoon
When does Hawaiki Nui Va'a take place at Bora Bora Lagoon?
Hawaiki Nui Va'a runs from 28 to 31 October 2026, with Aere Va'a races in the lagoon of Vaitape on 31 October 2026.
What is Bora Bora Lagoon?
It is the reef-enclosed lagoon surrounding the volcanic island, with coral gardens, smaller motu and waters used for boating and canoe racing.
Where is Bora Bora Lagoon and how do you get there?
It lies around Bora Bora in French Polynesia, with Vaitape as the main town. Visitors can reach Vaitape by boat from the airport motu or by local transport on the main island.
