Hotel in Kona Official Sponsor of Queen Lili'uokalani Long Distance Canoe Races

KAILUA-KONA, HI--(Marketwired - Aug 27, 2013) -  What started over 40 years ago as a way to train for grueling men's and women's long-distance canoe races is now a big-banner Kona event in its own right. Every year on Labor Day weekend, the Queen Lili'uokalani Canoe Races test the skills of more than 2,500 paddlers from around the world. As the long-standing headquarters hotel, the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is proud to be an official sponsor, and its location is just steps from the starting line.

From August 31^st through September 2^nd, the world's largest long-distance canoe race will travel along the Kona Coast and historic bays of Kailua, Keauhou, Kealakekua, and Honaunau.

Over the course of 3 days, men, women and teens will compete in various races starting near this Historic Kailua Village hotel. Day 1 kicks off with challenging single-hull canoe races, which cover 18 miles between Kailua-Kona and Honaunau. On Day 2, double-hull, one-person and stand-up paddle board races fill the schedule. Day 3, Monday, caps off a weekend of excitement with the Ali'i Challenge, a northward paddle from Kailua-Kona to Kona Village.

It's not all work for the crews; the weekend offers opportunities to meet other participants and explore the area. The Thursday before the race starts with a guided walking tour of historic Kailua Village, which meets in front of this Kamakahonu Bay hotel and sets off for about 3 hours, taking in the sights. That evening, the hotel hosts International Paddlers Night, where crews gather with friends and family for an evening of fun. The Torch Light Parade is a race tradition and celebrates the weekend with a procession that starts at Hale Halawai and ends at the pier.

The race, named after the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lili'uokalani, is run by the Kai 'Opua Canoe Club, and is a must for anyone visiting Kailua-Kona for the Labor Day weekend. For more information, including a full race schedule and history, visit www.kaiopua.org/ql-event-schedule.asp.

About the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
White-sand beaches, turquoise blue water, lush greenery -- the beauty of Hawaii is just outside the doors of Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, just minutes from Kailua Pier and near the Kona International Airport. This Big Island, Hawaii beachfront hotel offers spacious, stylish guest rooms with luxurious bed linens, a flat-screen cable TV, high-speed Internet access, refrigerator, coffeemaker with Kona's delicious coffee and a desk, which could be used for work but is much more fun for writing postcards. Make new friends in the flexible lobby, featuring lounge-like seating and complimentary Wi-Fi, or at Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille, offering cocktails at the outdoor pool. Enjoy fine dining and live music at Honu's on the Beach restaurant. Experience a local tradition at the Island Breeze Luau, featuring authentic Polynesian cuisine and live performances. Spend a day exploring nearby attractions including Historic Kailua village, Hulihe'e Palace, Kailua Kona Pier, Honokohau Marina and Kaloko-Honokohau National Park. A fitness center makes wearing a bathing suit less intimidating. A gorgeous location and 20,000 square feet of event space make Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel an ideal venue for weddings, corporate retreats, meetings and celebrations.