Sports

Molokai Crews Compete at World’s Largest Outrigger Regatta

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

By Jack Kiyonaga | Editor 

Several Molokai crews braved the relentless Kona sun for over 18 miles as they raced between Kailua and Honaunau on Hawaii Island over the weekend.

“It was hot,” said Lohiao Paoa, who competed in the open men’s six-man crew for Molokai’s Wa’akapaemua Canoe Club.  

“The training we did the last four months has really helped,” said Paoa. In the race, the crew focused on keeping things simple and not trying to get too caught up in battling every canoe, he explained. 

“We just focused on trusting in our training, trusting in our stroke,” he said. 

The race has been held annually since 1972 in honor of Queen Lili’uokalani’s Sept.…

MHS Football Embarks on A New Challenge

Thursday, August 29th, 2024

Practice for the Molokai Farmers’ football team borders on exuberant. The air is punctuated by the sharp voices of coaches, music to which the players subtly head nod, and a palpable excitement at what is a new and present challenge: 11-man football. Since 2010, Molokai High School (MHS) has dominated the eight-player Maui Interscholastic League (MIL), winning seven straight titles. Now, the Farmers and Head Coach Mike Kahale are focusing on conquering 11-man and the opportunity to compete for a Division II state championship. To prepare for this transition, players must learn basic flag football plays to build a strong foundation in strategy and adaptability.…

August Golf Ace

Thursday, August 22nd, 2024

Community Contributed
By Rick Schonely

Christine Kage is the August Ace winner for The Hui O Kukui Golf Club.

Kage, a Molokai golf enthusiast, Molokai paparazzi extraordinaire and Mrs. Positivity, shot 48-50 for a gross total of 98. With her 30 handicap, her 68 net got her the victory. Congratulations Christine!

The Hui O Kukui Golf Club would like to thank the staff and management of iconic Ironwood Hills golf course for perpetuating the game of golf on Molokai.

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Kicking off Fall Sports

Thursday, August 22nd, 2024

Molokai High School (MHS) sports fans have had to endure the long summer months without the Farmers. Fear not, as MHS sports are back for another ambitious fall season. Of special interest this year will be the Farmers’ football team, which will compete in the 11-man division for the first time. The Farmers will embark on their historic new journey in a highly anticipated season opener at Lahainaluna on Aug. 31. This past week, the Farmers got a taste of 11-man competition as they faced each other in a Green and White scrimmage, with Green taking the 19-13 victory. The first home game of the football season will be against Baldwin, Saturday Sept.…

M2O Paddleboard World Championships

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

The 25th running of the Molokai to Oahu (M2O) Paddleboard World Championships took place this past Sunday, July 28. Athletes of all ages and nationalities gathered at Kepuhi Beach to begin the daunting 32-mile journey across the Kaiwi Channel.

“It’s one of the most special feelings,” said race founder and director Mike Takahashi. “Something about it just resonates inside your being.”

Takahashi, who competed in the first running of the event in 1997, explained that the sensation of being in “really deep, blue, wild ocean” is part of what makes the crossing so impactful.

Walking off the beach into the surf to start is “probably one of the most stressful situations you’ve ever been in,” said Takahashi, who competed in his last M2O race 12 years ago.…

2024 Molokai Holokai Ho‘olaule‘a

Friday, July 26th, 2024

More than 220 waterman and waterwomen took on the challenge to race across 27 miles over the Pailolo Channel, starting on Maui’s Fleming Beach and arriving at Kaunakakai Wharf on Molokai July 19. The Maui to Molokai Challenge officially kicked off the 2024 Molokai Holokai Ho‘olaue‘a – two days of sports competitions, live music, gathering, cultural workshops and environmental education.

“Molokai Holokai is really a community event,” said Clare Albino, one of the organizers together with Kelly A‘awa. “It’s really to inspire our youth.”

The Maui to Molokai Challenge was first held in 2003. In 2010, Molokai added a 10-mile race from Kamalo to Kaunakakai.…

July Golf Ace

Friday, July 19th, 2024

Community Contributed
By: Rick Schonely

Charles “Kawai” Puaa-Spencer is the July Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Puaa-Spencer, firefighter and bus driver extraordinaire and one of the famous Spencer Twins with brother Kamoana, shot 44-46 for a gross total of 90 and with his 28 handicap his 62 net score earned him the victory. Congratulations Kawai!
The Hui O Kukui Golf Club would like to thank the staff and management of the iconic Ironwood Hills golf course for perpetuating the game of golf on Molokai.…

Summer’s First Regatta

Friday, June 28th, 2024

Hundreds of Molokai residents cheered from the wharf as they watched the first home regatta of the paddling season last Saturday. Molokai athletes from keiki to kupuna from the island’s canoe clubs lined up against each other in quarter and half-mile races. Calm winds and quiet waters made for competitive racing across the field. The next regattas will be held on July 6 and July 20 in the lead up to the state championships, which will be held Aug. 3 in Ke’ehi, Oahu and will be hosted by the Molokai Canoe Racing Association this year.   …