Community

Mud Bog Turns One

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

ByDayanti Karunaratne, Editor

After the Kona Low storms flooded roads and driveways across the island this spring, some people might find it hard to believe that Molokai residents still want to watch souped-up trucks fight their way through mud — but there’s just something special about the Mud Bog that keeps people coming back. 

“It’s just a fun, relaxing family event. And our events are still free to the community,” Hana Alcon, one of the event organizers said, noting that they don’t charge their food vendors, either. “That’s the thing we’re proud of — we don’t charge entry.”

The next race in the Mud Bog series happens Saturday, July 18 at the mud tracks on Lihi Pali Avenue in Ho’olehua.…

“Cherish Your Island”

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

By Dayanti Karunaratne | Editor

“I had to catch the tank. The thing went down, down, down…. I could hardly see the tank, I could only see the bubbles.” 

This harrowing tale about losing an air tank while fishing in the waters off Molokai was told by Uncle Walter Rawlins in a documentary film focused on his life stories. Part of a series that records local kupuna talking about their experiences, the documentary features Kekama Helm interviewing Rawlins, as well as photographs of fishing and paddling events that were mentioned.

On the first Wednesday of every month, the Molokai Public Library hosts public screenings to premiere the films, which are produced through a partnership between Akakū Media, Molokai Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) and the library.…

A Niu Thing

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

By Dayanti Karunaratne| Editor

One by one, coconuts gathered from across Molokai were placed in careful rows. Traditional Hawaiian music played softly as community members of all ages pitched in, building nests of mulch around the seeds. In one morning, over one thousand coconuts (niu) would be prepared for propagation at the University of Hawaii Maui College farm site in Hoʻolehua. 

“It’s a special project, and we’re happy to be a part of it,” ‘Ōlelo Schonely Spencer said. As the UH Maui College Farm Manager, she is leading a team that’s coordinating a five-year plan for the 28-acre farm located on Huaʻai Road that includes education, workforce development, ‘āina-based practices and the perpetuation of Native Hawaiian culture.…

Finding Harmony with the Hōlua

Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

By Dayanti Karunaratne | Editor

Some stood back, unsure if they would take a turn, while others were keen to throw themselves on the Hōlua and ride down the grassy hill. A few stood upright, but most lay their chest on the smooth wooden crossbars, their hands gripping the frame of the traditional Hawaiian sled. Some accelerated, others stumbled off, but everyone seemed to come up smiling. 

“I think the most beautiful part of this experience was how some of them hesitated at the beginning, and by the end, they gave it a try,” workshop organizer Kanoelani Davis of Hoʻaka Mana said.…