Four years later: Molokai Hoe returns

HONOLULU (KHON2) — After a four-year hiatus, the best paddlers in the world are returning to the islands to compete in the Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe on Sept. 29 and Oct. 13 respectively.

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Originally suspended due to COVID, the races were supposed to return last year but were postponed again due to concerns and sensitivity surrounding the Maui wildfires.

The two races will finish after crossing the grueling Kaiwi Channel, something that can take as many as six or more hours depending on the surf, winds and currents.

From Hale O Lono Harbor on Molokai to the Hilton Hawaii Village on Oahu, both races perpetuate one of Hawaii’s and Polynesia’s most important and historic cultural traditions while also honoring outrigger canoe paddlers around the world.

“The celebration at the end is the sweetest it’s not just what happens out there in the channel. But it’s also the hours of practice that go into it and the families that are supporting our ohana waa and bringing everybody here to the finish line, an encapsulation of what is an incredible year of dedication to the sport,” said Siana Hunt, race coordinator. “It’s a sweet time on Molokai, for us to be able to prepare and really honor the sacredness of the race.”

Race coordinator Ikaika Rogerson said, “We want to return back to where we started, our roots on Molokai was to stay at all of these people’s houses and inject ourselves into the community and be part of all of that so we want to make sure we bring all of that as we return this year.”

The Na Wahine race kicks off two weeks of world championship paddling starting Sunday, Sept. 29 with the men to follow two weeks later. Registration is now open.

For local canoe clubs, this is the culmination of the summer regattas season and the goal every year is to top the team from Tahiti.

While local canoe clubs are just clubs, the Tahitians bring the best of the best together to create an all-star team and they have proven dominant in recent years.

KHON2, KHII and Salt + Air Studio will bring you live exclusive coverage of the event from start to finish.