This event runs over the first weekend in November and is a showcase of the cultural diversity of the province. Hundreds of participants congregate in Alotau to compete in a variety of traditional canoe races culminating in the much lauded War Kenu race.
In addition to the water sports, culture is on display though song and dance, story telling and artistic works.
Alotau is a good base for visiting the outlying islands.The D'Entrecasteaux Group is in an active thermal region with hot springs and spouting geysers.Historic Samarai & Kwato Islands and the China Straight are a short boat ride away.
Around the Bay, East Cape and Wagawaga villages provide good destinations for day trips, snorkelling and picnics with the road network to south and north coasts suitable for scenic drives.