The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association is bringing back the Molokai Channel World Championships: Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe, with the support of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
The two paddling races were not held in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, an Oahu-based race was held after a request from the Molokai community, which was still concerned about COVID-19 and the island’s limited air transportation. Last year, OHCRA expected to bring back the races, but ultimately decided to hold off out of respect after the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. The first race took place in 1952.
Both races start at Hale O Lono on Molokai, before beginning the challenging 41-mile journey across the Kaiwi Channel and ending at Waikiki on Oahu. The races honor the traditions of Pacific Islander outrigger canoe paddling.
The Na Wahine O Ke Kai Championship, which pits the top female paddlers from across the world against each other, will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024.
The following weekend, on Sunday Oct. 13, 2024, the Molokai Hoe will celebrate its 72nd crossing of the Kaiwi Channel.
OHCRA will host an award ceremony at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Lagoon in Waikiki.
“Over the last 70 plus years, the crossing of the Kaiwi Channel has become the cornerstone of achievement in the wa‘a community,” said Luana Froiseth, Race Director of OHCRA, in a statement. “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.”
In partnership with airline carriers, OHCRA will ensure an increase in flights to Molokai for the full week of travel leading up to each race.
OHCRA will donate a portion of the proceeds from the races to the Friends of Molokai, a nonprofit which supports athletics at Molokai High School.
Since 2006, teams from Tahiti have won the Molokai Hoe — except in 2017 when a Big Island team, Red Bull Va‘a, won.
For the Na Wahine O Ke Kai, Team Bradley, which includes members from across the Hawaiian Islands, has won all but two races since 2005. Waikiki Beach Boys won in 2011 and 2014.
The events will be aired live on KHII Channel 5 and khon2.com.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.