Puna and Kai Opua know all about the Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association early point cushion, which makes the rivalry between the clubs so intriguing.
It’s a well-worn tale that Puna trails early in the youth races (ages 12 to 18) then charges late to make a run at Kai Opua, the perennial powerhouse blessed with quality depth.
Sometimes, Puna, the club known for doing more with less, overcomes depth issues and huge point deficits to pull a rabbit out the hat and shock Big Blue.
Last year, Puna, the annual Green Pride underdog, scored one of the greatest upsets (on the Big Island or any other) to win the Aunty Maile Mauhili/Moku O Hawaii championships.