HONOLULU — As Ali‘i Youderian stood in the sand of Kahanamoku Beach, water lapping at his ankles and the din of hundreds of onlookers in his ears, he paused to consider what he’d just experienced for the first time in his 19 years.
For a moment, his eyes welled, and his voice wavered.
“All my family, my papa, they’re all looking down at me, telling me I did a good job,” Youderian said.
The return of the Molokai Hoe — the world championship of outrigger distance paddling — after four straight years of cancellations was an emotional experience for veterans and first-timers alike.
[Note: See below for more photos of the Molokai Hoe.]
As was the case two weeks ago for the women’s version of the 41-mile race spanning the Ka‘iwi Channel from Molokai to Oahu, the Na Wahine O Ke Kai, the champion was familiar. Tahiti-based club Shell Va‘a powered to victory in 4 hours, 35 minutes, 7 seconds. It was its 13th triumph in the last 15 editions of the race going back to 2006.
Maui-based Wailea Canoe Club finished runner-up in 4:48:39 and Hilo-based Keaukaha Canoe Club, racing as Team Oceania, was third in 4:52:09.
The 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions were canceled because of COVID-19 precautions. Last year’s race was to be a full go until the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires on Maui.
Wailea stroker Kekoa Kahookele-Santos said he and his team members approached each of those years like the race would happen, but remained respectful when cancelations came down.
Kahookele-Santos, of Pukalani in Upcountry Maui, called it an “honor” to be back for what was at least his seventh crossing.
“Right off the start, it wasn’t as windy as we would’ve hoped or liked,” Kahookele-Santos said. “It was pretty mellow and flat, until we got off of Molokai, La‘ao Point (at the southwestern tip of the island). It actually started to pick up a little bit. It turned into a very beautiful race.”
La‘au Point was where Shell Va‘a made its move, about an hour from the launch point at Hale O Lono Harbor. The club separated and finished a little over four minutes off its record pace (4:30:54) it set in 2011.
Of the long-awaited return, Shell paddler Iorama Teahu said, “Very happy to come back after five years. I feel the mana of this race.”
Other Shell Va‘a crew members were Charles Teinauri, Sly Ly-Sao, Isidore Tevaearai, Erimereta Tautu, Keoni Sulpice, Brice Punuataahitua, Vairoa Teraiharoa and Raihiti Marere.
For Youderian, a Molokai Hoe newcomer from Kona who paddled in the 4 and 5 seats for Keaukaha, it was a fulfilling moment to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandmother, who both crossed the Ka‘iwi Channel in their time.
“The next generation for me,” he said. “Good experience for the first time.”
Youderian said the podium finish was a first for his club. He credited Eric Deane, their steersman from Tahiti. Team Oceania trained in Hilo Bay for two and a half hours after work on weekdays and for four-plus hours on weekends.
Seventy-four crews completed the race, which is now operated by the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association.
Outrigger Canoe Club was first among koa canoes in 5:10:54. Lanikai Canoe Club won the junior category in 5:38:04. Masters 40 went to Kai ‘Ehitu Outrigger in 5:22:45; Masters 50 to SAMPA Canoe Club in 5:35:42; Masters 55 to Hui Nalu Canoe Club in 6:10:29; and Masters 60 to Lanikai in 5:59:32.
Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.