Two iconic Moloka’i channel canoe races will return this year. The O‘ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association has announced that after a four-year hiatus, Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai and Moloka‘i Hoe races will be held in the fall.
Both races attract the world's top paddlers for the challenging 41-mile journey from Moloka’i across the Ka’iwi Channel to finish at Waikīkī.
The Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai Championship for women will be held on Sept. 29, while the men's Moloka’i Hoe will make its 72nd crossing on Oct. 13.
“Over the last 70 plus years, the crossing of the Ka‘iwi Channel has become the cornerstone of achievement in the wa‘a community,” said Luana Froiseth, OHCRA race director. “This time-honored showcase of commitment to the preservation of Hawaiian canoe racing culture honors the rich heritage while uniting paddlers from around the world.”
Organizers urge respect for the Moloka’i community hosting the races.
OHCRA says partnerships with airline carriers have ensured minimal impact on Moloka’i’s already-limited flights as thousands of paddlers arrive for the events. All race participants are asked to plan in advance to coordinate logistics with air travel and boat transport.
A portion of the proceeds from the races will support the Friends of Molokai High and Middle Schools Foundation.
After the pandemic, the races were scheduled to resume in 2023 but were canceled after the August wildfires on Maui.
The events perpetuate one of Hawaiʻi's and Polynesia's most important and historic cultural traditions while honoring outrigger canoe paddlers around the world.
Registration for both races is now open. For more information on the Moloka'i Hoe, click here, and for Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai, visit their website here.
