Wendall DeVera, Vietnam veteran, longtime paddler and president of Pu‘ali Koa Kahiko, listens to opening speeches and a blessing of a Hawaiian outrigger canoe on Friday morning in South Maui.

The group remained in high spirits after being rescued and planned to drive to the Hawaiian Canoe Club hale at Kahului Harbor for food and drinks. “I feel great. I want a beer,” Pacheco joked.

The Hawai‘i Police Department hosted their third annual Outrigger Youth Canoe Regatta, fostering community ties and ...