For the first time in five years, Big Island canoe clubs will compete for the overall title at the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship Regatta.

Kai 'Opua and Keauhou — clubs located on the Kona side of the Big Island — entered the AAAA division at the official lane drawing yesterday.

The state championship regatta is scheduled for Saturday at Hilo Bay.

"Being on our home island is certainly a big reason," Kai 'Opua representative Mike Atwood said. "Even though (Hilo Bay) is on the other side of the island, it's still easier for us to make it there than it is to another island."

No Big Island club has ever won the overall title at the state championship regatta.

Last year, Big Island clubs swept the "smaller" divisions, with Kai 'Opua taking the AAA, Keauhou the AA, and Kawaihae the A.

The last time a Big Island club even entered the biggest division was in 2004.

Around 3,000 paddlers representing close to 60 clubs from around the state are expected to participate.

Hawaiian Canoe Club from Maui registered a regatta-high 37 crews. Hawaiian won seven consecutive state titles from 2001-07, then finished runner-up last year by a frustrating three points.

"We're just going to focus on what we need to do and have a great time in Hilo," Hawaiian head coach Diane Ho said.

Hawaiian's success has long been fueled by its youth paddlers, and this year is no exception. All 13 of Hawaiian's youth crews qualified for the state regatta.

"This has been a real good year for our kids," Ho said. "We had a great turnout. We got 13 of 13 crews in, and most of them were first seeds."

Lanikai won the state championship last year, but did not even win the O'ahu title this year.

Kailua took the O'ahu championship two weeks ago, and has 36 crews registered for the state regatta. Kai 'Opua also has 36 crews.

"We have some really good crews," Atwood said. "Whether we have enough depth to match Hawaiian and Kailua remains to be seen."

Lanikai has 34 crews registered. Fellow O'ahu clubs Outrigger (28 crews) and Hui Nalu (22) are also entered in the AAAA division.

Atwood said Hilo Bay provided a fair course for Big Island paddlers during the regular-season regattas.

"There were crews winning from the inside lanes, the middle and the outside," he said. "It's about as fair as it gets."

Kane'ohe, the champion of the Na 'Ohana O Na Hui Wa'a organization, is entered in the AAA division.

AAAA (21 CREWS OR MORE)

Hawaiian (37), Kailua (36), Kai 'Opua (36), Lanikai (34), Outrigger (28), Keauhou (26), Hui Nalu (22).

AAA (13 TO 20 CREWS)

Puna (20), Kihei (19), Kane'ohe (19), Hui Lanakila (17), Hanalei (15).

AA (7 TO 12 CREWS)

Keahiakahoe (12), Lae'ula O Kai (12), Koa Kai (12), Wa'akapaemua (12), Healani (12), Waikiki Beachboys (12), Keaukaha (10), Kamehameha-Hilo (10), Na Keiki O Ka Mo'i (9).

A (6 CREWS OR FEWER)

Lokahi (6), Kalihi Kai (6), New Hope (6), Kawaihae (6), Kahana (6), Kai 'Ehitu (6), 'Alapa Hoe (5), Manu O Ke Kai (5), Ka Mamalahoe (5), Wailea (5), Leeward Kai (5), Kaiola (4), 'Anuenue (4), Tui Tonga (4), Napili (4), Kamehameha-O'ahu (4), Keoua (4), Na Wa'a Hanakahi (4), Waikiki Surf Club (3), Kilohana (3), Namolokama (3), Waimanalo (3), Na Kai 'Ewalu (3), Keola O Ke Kai (3), Pukana O Ke Kai (3), Lahaina (2), North Shore (2), Kumulokahi-Elks (2), Honolulu Pearl (2), Moloka'i (2), Hawaiian Outrigger (2), Pu'uloa Outrigger (1), Niumalu (1), Hui Wa'a O Waiakea (1), Makaha (1), Kona Athletic Club (1).