Nappys back with Anuenue aloha

This years sole Hawaii crew is proof that age is just a state of mind.

Four of the nine paddlers in the Anuenue crew are over 70 and the youngest member is 62 but theyve got the experience and the know-how for a good shot at the top spot in the senior masters division.

Joseph Nappy Napoleon the face of Hawaii outrigger canoeing and number one guest of honour at Vaka Eiva every year is back for more this year as part of the Anuenue crew.

Joining him are Hardy Spoehr, Jon Miki, Bernard Paloma, Gary Samura, Joseph Ah Yuen, Gaylord Wilcox, Samson Rodrigues and Harry Ho.

Though theyre bringing their aloha spirit to Vaka Eiva for the eighth consecutive year, theyre also bringing their competitive spirit, their technique, skill and experience.

Anuenue the Hawaiian word for rainbow, like anuanua in the Cook Islands has been part of Vaka Eiva since the festivals launch in 2004.

Its founder, Nappy, has done the 41-mile Molokai to Oahu Molokai Hoe more than 50 times his first crossing he completed at age 17 in 1958.