Puna’s strength with its experienced paddlers proved too powerful at the 10th annual Aunty Maile Mauhili/Moku O Hawaii championships on Saturday at Hilo Bay.
Under a punishing sun that disappeared in the afternoon and windy conditions, Puna snapped Kai Opua’s seven-year Division A (21-42 events) title reign.
Puna (35 events) scored 233 points, and was followed by Kai Opua (42), 223; Kai Ehitu (37), 168; Keauhou (36), 161; Kawaihae (42), 149; Keaukaha (37), 128; and Kamehameha (29), 103, in Division A.
Much like in 2007 when Puna last pocketed the Aunty Maile championship, coach Afa Tuaolo’s club started with a deficit because of a youth gap.