Sports

Molokai Boy Joining Alabama’s Crimson Tide

Thursday, August 7th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja
A Molokai boy from Hoʻolehua is a living proof that dreams come true. Following a well-executed plan to become a better football player and gain exposure among scouts, he has just committed to one of the most successful and storied football programs in college history.
The University of Alabama announced in late July that 18-year-old Tayden-Evan Kaawa — a six-foot, five-inch quarterback — will be joining the Crimson Tide next season on a full scholarship. They compete in the NCAA Division I in the Southeastern Conference.
“The new coaching staff (at Alabama) is all new,” Kaawa said. “I was super close to them when they were in Washington, so it worked out well when they moved to Alabama.…

2025 Molokai Holokai

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

Better safety, improved organization and pristine ocean conditions marked the Maui to Molokai Challenge, the opening event of the 2025 Molokai Holokai Ho‘olaule‘a — two days of ocean races, community gathering, cultural workshops and environmental education.

“Our big focus was safety this year. We had everyone with (GPS) trackers, and we had a really good system setup,” Clare Albino said. “The conditions were really nice; it was beautiful out there on the ocean.”

The 27-mile race over the Pailolo Channel — considered the windiest of all Hawaiian channels — kicked off on Maui’s Fleming Beach July 18 at 9:30 a.m.,…

Spencer is the July Ace Winner

Thursday, July 17th, 2025

By Rick Schonely / Community contributed

David Spencer is the July Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. 

Spencer, an avid golfer for many years on Molokai and recently retired Molokai High School security guard and all-around great guy, shot 43-48 for a gross total of 91 and with his 25 handicap his 66-net got him the victory. Congratulations, Big Dave.

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.…

Regatta Season Kicks Off at the Wharf

Friday, June 27th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja
The Molokai Canoe Racing Association kicked off the regatta season at Kaunakakai Wharf last Saturday. At least 300 people came to the wharf to cheer for competitors from two canoe clubs on Molokai.
“This is the first regatta of the season,” coach Kekama Helm said, adding the results will count points toward qualification for the upcoming Hawaii state championships.
It may have been a friendly gathering, but in the water it was a fierce competition among Molokai’s best paddlers. Wa‘akapaemua Canoe Club and Molokai Canoe Club battled each other in 25 regattas — sprint races — divided in experience levels and different age groups from under 10 years old to more than 70 years old.…

Spencer Takes the June Ace for Hui O Kukui Golf Club

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

By Rick Schonely/Community contributed

Kawai Spencer is the June Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club.
A Maui County firefighter and bus driver extraordinaire, Spencer is one of the famous Molokai Spencer twins with his awesome brother Kamoana. He shot 47–44 for a gross total of 91, and with his 27 handicap, his 64 net got him the victory. Congratulations Spencer!
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.…

Ka’iwi Solo

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

On Saturday, May 10, intrepid paddlers from around the world headed to Kepuhi Beach to participate in the 2025 Ka’iwi Solo. The race is a single-man canoe challenge run annually since 2008 by the Paddling Athletes Association. Athletes battle 32 miles across winds, swell and fatigue, proving their skills in the canoe. For Molokai, Ekolu Kalama was the top finisher taking 44th place overall. A young Kahikikala Helm, all of 16, took a solid 77th place as the only other Molokai representative in the race. Tahiti’s Kevin Ceran-Jerusalemy won the race with a time of 3:26:57.

The next races will be the Molokai Challenge on May 25 followed by the Molokai Holokai on July 18 and 19.…

May Golf Ace

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Community Contributed
By Rick Schonely

Zachary Helm is the May Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club. Helm, a Molokai golf professional and Molokai musician extraordinaire, is now retired with 34 years of service with the County of Maui Parks and Recreations Department. Big Z shot 42-36 for a gross total of 80. With his 17 handicap, his 63 net got him the victory. Congratulations Big Z.

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.…