The recent success of Na Keiki O Ka Mo‘i Canoe Club is linked to its progress across all ranks of the organization, from keiki to kupuna.

Ka Mo‘i’s women’s novice A crew has epitomized the club’s winning ways on the water in 2014, and on Sunday continued its undefeated run with a sixth consecutive victory at Na Ohana O Na Hui Wa‘a’s Ka Mo‘i Regatta. Participants enjoyed calm ocean conditions and scattered showers under cloud cover that provided relief from the heat at Maili Beach along the Waianae Coast.

The crew of Kawehi DePonte, Nikki Carlson, Celeste Orozco-Silva, Shel Borders, Leichelle Iokia and "D" Enocencio sported Ka Mo‘i’s bright green and blue hues and navigated the half-mile course to dominate the novice A event in 4 minutes, 26.66 seconds — 17 seconds ahead of the closest finisher, I Mua.

"We wanted to win this badly, and we got it," said DePonte, the crew’s steerswoman. "Our goal is to get to states, and our club continues to win every regatta points-wise, so it’s awesome to be a part of that. We all train hard, from the kids to our older paddlers."

DePonte explained that the crew employs multiple training methods, including cardio workouts and paddling in heavier, larger canoes during some practice sessions. Ka Mo‘i coach Lisa Ka‘aekuahiwi was also well prepared to communicate with her club as the skipper used a bullhorn to rile up onlookers and encourage paddlers on the water racing toward the finish line.

"She told us to ‘kick butt and take home the gold,’ " DePonte said of the coach’s succinct directions prior to the race.

Ka Mo‘i tallied 105 points to claim gold in the AAA division (25-39 crews entered) on the heels of 13 individual race wins, and cruised past Manu O Ke Kai (50 points), Kaneohe (46) and I Mua (42). The home club got off to a torrid start, winning five of the first eight and 10 of the first 20 races of the day and establishing an insurmountable 80-37 lead over Manu.

The Waianae-based club has won three Hui Wa‘a titles in four years, while also supplanting Kaneohe — which won seven consecutive and eight of nine titles during a run that ended in 2011 — as the organization’s top club in the large division. Ka Mo‘i continues to thrive under the direction of Ka‘aekuahiwi, whose father, Rona, started the club 38 years ago. The club went undefeated in Hui Wa‘a competition in 2012, and appears poised to do so again this season.

In addition to battling for gold in individual races, crews continued pushing toward qualification for the state championship regatta, which is scheduled for Aug. 2 at Keehi Lagoon. The top two crews from each Hui Wa‘a event earn automatic berths in the state regatta, based on cumulative point standings.

Nearly 1,500 competitors ranging in age from 12 and under to 65 and above represented Hui Wa‘a’s 18 member clubs in 41 races spanning a quarter-mile to 11⁄2 miles. Winning crews earned five points toward the team standings, while second- , third- and fourth-place finishers earned three, two and one point, respectively.

Unlike races held at Keehi Lagoon, where paddlers race parallel to the shore, Sunday’s event was set up perpendicular to the sand as crews started just off the beach, raced straight out and turned back to finish at the original starting line. The course allowed crews the opportunity to use ocean swells and varying currents to their advantage.

The Waikiki Beach Boys claimed the AA division (13-24 crews) for the fifth consecutive week, amassing 46 points to best runner-up Ka Mamalahoe (38 points). The Beach Boys won eight races Sunday, including victories by their women’s freshman, sophomore and senior crews.

Kamehameha captured the A division (6-12 crews) title, notching 18 points and fending off North Shore (16) and Lokahi (13).

Hui Wa‘a returns to Keehi Lagoon for its seventh event of the season, the Lokahi Regatta, on Sunday.

The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, which had a bye over the weekend, will head to Waikiki Beach for its Fourth of July tradition, the annual Walter J. Macfarlane Regatta on Friday. The race is considered an exhibition. Certain crews are invited to participate based upon their success thus far, and results will not count toward season-long cumulative point tallies.

SUNDAY’S PADDLING RESULTS

ALAPA HOE REGATTA
At Keehi Lagoon
AAA — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 105; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 50; 3. Kaneohe, 46; 4. I Mua 42.
AA — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys, 46; 2. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 38; 3. Olelo O Keola, 18; 4. Kamaha’o Canoe Club, 5; 5. Pukana O Ke Kai, 4.
A — 1. Kamehameha, 18; 2. North Shore, 16; 3. Lokahi, 13; 4. ‘Alapa Hoe, 8; 5. Windward Kai, 7; 6. Kalihi Kai, Waikiki Yacht Club 5.
Specials — 1. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club (Paul Bryant, Gia Vong, Timothy Hilton, Pete Crisostomo, James Waggoner, Paul Lacuesta), 2:06.8; 2. Kai Poha, 2:11.1; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 2:23.4.
Girls 12 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Nahe Aki, Mya Rosario, Chaella Limary, Teanna Kaopuiki, Kierston Kuresa, Hannah Bradbury), 2:33.0; 2. I Mua, 2:37.2; 3. Windward Kai, 2:51.8.
Boys 12 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Kika Boy Samante-Nakoa, Nainoa Iokia-Smith, Pono Reyes, Storm Aiwohi, Xaistin Kamealoha, Stancen Delos Santos), 2:21.7; 2. I Mua, 2:34.1; 3. Kalihi Kai, 2:39.4.
Mixed boys and girls 12 — 1. I Mua (Leilani Zbin, J Kai Yamafuji, Riley Barretto, Karysa Inafuku, Carly Yamada, Kahiau Balbarino), 2:14.3; 2. Windward Kai, 2:27.2. 3, Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 2:30.8.
Girls 13 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Skyler Aiwohi, River Kealoha, Michaela Daguro, Jorene Ulu, Tayzia Pakele, Keahi Mayural), 2:19.7; 2. North Shore, 2:33.2; 3. I Mua, 2:35.5.
Boys 13 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Botz Iokia-Smith, Kanaloa Auwae, Kona Hinojosa, Teva Kealoha Meyer, Bronson Gonzales, Paul Fano), 2:00.1; 2. Waikiki Yacht Club, 2:17.5; 3. Kamaha’o, 2:18.8.
Girls 14 — 1. North Shore (Ava Countryman, Grace Rittenhouse, Alyssa Yamada-Barretto, Maddy Walsh, Makana DaMate, Victoria lopez), 2:05.2; 2. Kamehameha, 2:10.3; 3. Kaneohe, 2:13.4.
Boys 14 — 1. Kaneohe (Kawena Esperas, Tyler Souza, Akamu Campbell II, Kala’i Guitguiten, Matthew Risso, Paka Robles), 1:59.3; 2. Olelo O Keola, 2:00.1; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 2:04.2.
Girls 15 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Shania Kim, Kyomi Pule, Maddy Crump, Lonz ChongTim, Jeizelle Iokia-Thompson, Hani Carlson), 4:26.1.; 2. Kamehameha, 4:32.6; 3. Kaneohe, 4:39.3.
Boys 15 — 1. I Mua (Eric Burton, Scott McKee, Oliver Coyle, Shepherd Aliifua, Dale Van der Voort, Chase Yamada), 4:05.9 ; 2. Olelo O Keola, 4:13.4; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 4:22.0.
Girls 16 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Kilia Chillingworth, Darcie Burke, Sarina Souki, Victoria Ann Avilla-Dabin, Shazary Sinclair, Eurica Diego), 4:23.2; 2. Kamehameha, 4:32.1; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 4:39.9.
Boys 16 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Joshua Callejo, John Ganer Jr., Dylan Lee, Caleb Cardus, Blaise Gonzales, Kuhio Kaaekuahiwi), 4:03.2; 2. Waikiki Yacht Club, 4:05.4; 3. I Mua, 4:13.8.
Girls 18 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Jonell Odette-Spillner, Shania Kim, Kiana Kaaekuahiwi, Maddy Crump, Leigh-Ann Kapihe, Jeizelle Iokia-Thompson), 4:36.7; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 4:37.4; 3. ‘Alapa Hoe, 4:40.9.
Boys 18 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i (Blaise Gonzales, Hanson Smith, Maka Popa, Nayton Kuresa, Kelton Moniz, Alaka`i Kauhane-Kaaekuahiwi), 7:58.8; 2. ‘Alapa Hoe, 8:29.8; 3. Manu O Ke Kai, 8:41.4.
Women novice A — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Kawehi DePonte, Nikki Carlson, Celeste Orozco-Silva, Shel Borders, Leichelle Iokia, D Enocencio), 4:26.7; 2. I Mua, 4:43.3; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:45.5.
Men novice A — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Shaun Hennings, Zach Hannah, Shane McCann, Terrence Young, Joao Correia De Souza, Michael Tamalii), 7:35.2; 2. Kamehameha, 7:39.1; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 8:03.8.
Women novice B — 1. I Mua (Tiffany De Vincent, Cassie Orbistondo, Mariana Monasi, Sofia Mustelin, Jessica Au, Quiana Knight), 2:00.5; 2, Waikiki Beach Boys, 2:01.2; 3. Olelo O Keola, 2:06.8.
Men novice B — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Hoku Mayural, Kale Cambra, Jr. Kamaile, Adam McEnroe-Pastor, Jay Hinojosa, Kanoa Matutino), 3:46.6; 2. Kamehameha, 3:55.3; 3. Kai Poha, 3:57.1.
Mixed novice B — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Michelle Drenker, Jay Rayetskyy, Rebecca Charlton, Al Sadanaga, Alison Andrews, Tyler Jaggers), 1:50.4; 2. Olelo O Keola, 1:51.7; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 1:56.0.
Women freshmen — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Dana Gorecki, Cindy Takazono, Erin Gerwig, Kelly Godwin, Sandra Vajcs, Laura Birse), 8:23.0; 2. Kamehameha, 8:46.2; 3. North Shore, 9:10.9.
Men freshmen — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Elton Dubois, Lale Turcan, Kendal Tanigawa, Kulani Ryan, Jim Coco, Franco Arango), 7:21.1; 2. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club , 7:35.7; 3. Olelo O Keola, 7:44.7.
Women sophomore — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Rachel Orange, Frances Lichowski, Stacy Bennett, Miyoko Sawai, Carla Houser, Shir Suez),8:30.5; 2. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 9:18.3; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 9:29.7.
Men sophomore — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Daniel Sharpe , Paki Lagunte, Tim Vierra, Carlton Helm, Daniel Aitchison, Moku Sanborn), 7:36.3; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 7:57.8; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 8:03.6.
Women senior — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Laura Birse, Chelsea Bizik, Alexia Lopez, Eko Lapp, Dana Gorecki, Frances Lichowski), 12:46.2; 2. Kaneohe, 14:14.9; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 14:32.1.
Men senior — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Franco Arango, Charles Meyer, Kendal Tanigawa, Eric Lentz, J Donovan, Kulani Ryan), 11:25.4; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 11:48.5; 3. I Mua, 11:55.5.
Women 40 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Carmen Van Kralingen, Michele Rego, Julie Gomersall, Gordean Kaluahine, Barbara Souki, Makana Clarke), 4:21.3; 2. Waikiki Beach Boys, 4:26.1; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 4:37.0.
Men 40 — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (J Donovan, Todd Finlayson, Damon Sweazy, Eric Lentz, Twain Newhart, Charles Meyer), 7:49.4; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 7:55.4; 3. Kaneohe, 7:58.7.
Mixed 40 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Matt Vossen, Kim Ili, William Silva, Eulogio Mangasar Jr., Shine Fano, Lisa Kaaekuahiwi), 4:14.6; 2. Kaneohe, 4:21.3; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:31.3.
Mixed 45 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Al Momoa, Duane Samson, Spam Laupola, Al Cambra, Deedee Kila, Lisa Kaaekuahiwi), 4:15.6; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 4:16.5; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:21.0.
Women 50 — 1. North Shore (Kimberly Walsh, Victoria Ferrante, Jane Duncan, Deidre M. Erickson, Bridget Bourdeau, Chana L. Dimmitt), 4:35.5; 2. Kaneohe, 4:37.5; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:57.9.
Men 50 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Derek Leeloy, Greg Pavao, John Hoogsteden, Sam Alama, DJ Oga, Thomas Schlotman), 3:48.6; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 4:03.1; 3. I Mua, 4:06.1.
Women 55 — 1. Kaneohe (Joanie Ishiki, Renee Smith, Beryl Parrilla, Lois Lake, KC Kaaihue, Pam Kuehl), 4:46.2; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 4:51.1; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:52.4.
Men 55 — 1. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club (Carl Evensen, Michael Tosaki, Barney Robinson, David Hartzog, David Wadsworth, Billy Foytich), 3:55.2; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 4:09.3; 3. Lokahi, 4:12.0.
Mixed 55 — 1. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club (Carl Evensen, Donna Moore, Karen Spellmeyer, David Wadsworth, Barney Robinson, Alis Rasmussen), 4:22.9; 2. Kaneohe, 4:32.0; 3. Olelo O Keola, 4:34.9.
Women 60 — 1. Kaneohe (KC Kaaihue, Annette Myers, Cynthia Hopkins, Lyn Dubbs, Harriette Davidson, Lois Lake), 4:51.7; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 4:58.9; 3. Olelo O Keola, 5:12.7.
Men 60 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i (Andrew Gilman, Eric Soo, John Lawson, Manny DeSoto, Bruce DeSoto, Tommy Kealiinohomoku), 4:12.1; 2. Lokahi, 4:12.9; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:18.9.
Mixed 60 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Linda Cox, Ete Savini, Yolanda Racca, James Peerson, Debi Kelly, Joe Scallon), 4:40.7; 2. Lokahi, 4:45.2; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 4:49.8.
Women 65 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Dawn Peerson, Carol Hetland, Jeanne Dilcher, Lee Higgins, Patricia Shephard, Peggy Cutting), 5:47.2; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 6:22.8.
Men 65 — 1. Lokahi (Wayne Babineau, Billy Rees Jr, Ka’ai Fernandez, Lee Buhre, Jeff Hunt, Mort Watson), 4:16.8; 2. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:20.4; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 4:29.6.
Women open four — 1. I Mua (Mariana Monasi, Christin Reynolds, Quiana Knight, Bunny Hidano), 4:51.4; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 4:52.2; 3. Kaneohe, 4:52.9.
Men open four — 1. I Mua (Aaron Nunez, Casey Ratica, West LeClay, Mark Chung), 4:06.7; 2. Waikiki Yacht Club, 4:07.4; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 4:12.7.
Mixed men and women — 1. Kaneohe (Matt Vossen, Kim Ili, William Silva, Eulogio Mangasar Jr., Shine Fano, Lisa Kaaekuahiwi), 3:55.8; 2. I Mua, 4:00.8; 3. ‘Alapa Hoe, 4:09.8.