Historic Partner Of The Hawaiki Nui Va’a, Air Tahiti Operates Over 40 Additional Flights

Air Tahiti is proud to support major Polynesian cultural and sporting events, such as Hawaiki nui Va’a international canoe race, contributing to their global visibility.

From October 29th to November 1st, 2025, the famous Polynesian canoe race, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, will take place in the Leeward Islands, between Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora, where it will finish in the mesmerizing turquoise lagoon. For its 32nd edition, over 200 teams, of all categories, will participate.

As a historic partner of the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, Air Tahiti renews its commitment once again this year, mobilizing its staff to ensure the success of this iconic event of the Polynesian calendar. As the main domestic carrier, the airline will facilitate the transportation of most competitors, as well as numerous supporters and spectators. Over 2,600 passengers in total will be travelling during that time, whereas more than 40 additional flights to the Leeward Islands will be scheduled. For example, on Sunday, November 2nd, 17 flights will be operated from Bora Bora, running until 10 p.m.

The archipelago usually welcomes around 30 flights daily. The additional flights operated for the Hawaiki Nui Va’a are in addition to an already reinforced flight schedule for Air Tahiti, due to school holidays and chartered flights for student groups going back to their islands.

An exceptional mobilization of teams
To carry out these operations, Air Tahiti mobilizes approximately 20 crews each day, including pilots and flight attendants, totaling nearly 80 flight personnel for all the flights covering our various archipelagos. More than 60 staff in Tahiti will be doing the ground operations. During major departure days, around 15 additional agents will be scheduled at Tahiti Faa’a Airport, while reinforced teams are deployed on the islands to manage the increased demand, particularly during check-in and boarding. This represents a significant workload for the airline’s staff, who are ready to take up the challenge.

A complex operation
It is important to highlight the considerable work done over several months by the teams responsible for flight scheduling and reservations, as well as the Group Unit, which coordinated the transportation of the various paddling clubs. Everyone’s role is crucial to the success of this event.

Despite the complexity of the operation, and even though most of the flights are empty in one direction (the planes depart full from the race but return empty, and vice versa, leading to a 50% load factor), Air Tahiti is proud to support such a popular and prestigious event, both locally and internationally. Teams from France, New Caledonia, Hawaii, and Hong Kong will also be attending.

Team Air Tahiti Va’a: ready for the start!
Air Tahiti’s commitment is also reflected in its Team Air Tahiti Va’a, a true source of pride for the airline. The team, which finished as a finalist in the 2024 edition with an impressive 2nd place overall, is once again among the favorites for this 32nd edition. It fully embodies the values of cohesion, tenacity, and performance that are dear to Air Tahiti. Their participation symbolizes the deep connection between the airline and this iconic discipline, which is a living reflection of Polynesian identity and culture.

Team Senior at the Hawaiki Nui Va’a 2024 ©Team Air Tahiti Va’a

This is indeed a dual pride — both professional and sporting — as several of the paddlers are also Air Tahiti employees, including their captain Kyle Taraufau. Hailing from Tautira, this pillar of Polynesian Va’a boasts an impressive track record at 35 years old.

Under the guidance of their coach Matahi Tapatoa, an Air Tahiti employee as well, Team Air Tahiti Va’a will be presenting five teams this year: one senior team, one junior team, and three cadet teams, including one women’s team.

The future looks promising, with three young talents among the juniors: Chance Tavita from Rangiroa — already a multiple champion, Heetini Owen from Huahine (son of the renowned paddler Manutea Owen), and Paipaimoana Opeta from Taha’a.

Junior Team ©Team Air Tahiti Va’a

Through its support for the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, Air Tahiti reaffirms its commitment to Polynesian culture and to promoting events that unite the islands and the people.
Have a great Hawaiki Nui Va’a to all!