There's still time to sign up for the 23rd annual Ala Wai Challenge on Jan. 27, which pits teams of 12 against each other for a quarter-mile outrigger canoe race and makahiki games.

So far, 29 teams have signed up.

The challenge usually attracts about 35 teams.

The entry fee for a team of 12, six of whom participate in the outrigger canoe race while the others play Hawaiian games, is $420. Teams that want tents pay $545. The fee covers the use of an outrigger canoe, lunches, T-shirts for participants and more.

The event is free for spectators.

The Ala Wai Challenge is expected to draw about 4,000 people this year, not only to watch the races and games but for good local food and Hawaiian crafts.

The event at Ala Wai Neighborhood Park will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a canoe water taxi across the Ala Wai to the event available from 9 a.m. to noon.

There will also be free trolley rides to the event.

"This is something you can bring the family to," said Jeff Apaka, community relations director for the Waikiki Community Center, which helps sponsor the event.

"There's going to be good Hawaiian entertainment. There's going to be really 'ono grinds. It's having a good time and it's meeting new people," he said.

New this year will be a race among teams of employees from different hotels. There will also be a tribute to the late Michael Tongg, former president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Ala Wai Challenge coordinator for the last 20 years.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.