On Saturday, July 28, the Ke Aloha Outrigger Canoe Club and the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse sponsored the Polynesian Ohana Festival and Hudson River Cup Races. The festival featured hula dancing, free kayaking, food vendors, entertainment and a variety of activities for families. The Hudson River Cup included an 8-mile outrigger canoe competition to the Statue of Liberty and a 5-mile sea kayak and stand-up paddleboard race from the Hoboken Cove to Jersey City and back.
The event took place in Maxwell Place Park where the unique, natural sand beach became a launching area for the races and free kayaking. This was an opportunity for the public to access the Hudson River at this protected cove area and enjoy the unparalleled views of the river and Manhattan skyline. It also offered an opportunity to learn about the rich history and diversity of Polynesian culture.