Sports

Pickleball Popularity

Thursday, January 4th, 2024

The pickleball phenomenon is a well-documented national fervor, becoming America’s fastest growing sport for three straight years, according to 2023 reports. Molokai, likewise, has recently sprouted a pickleball fandom of its own, with enthusiasts embracing the unique pickleball terms and phrases that define the game’s culture.

Adrian Canencia has over 30 years of tennis teaching experience. Now he’s channeling that knowledge into pickleball, leading classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at the tennis courts in Kaunakakai.

“Pickleball is a sport where anybody can play, any age can be compatible,” said Canencia. “It’s fun for everybody.”

Currently, Canencia teaches a kupuna class on Mondays and a junior class on Wednesdays.…

Battle of the Badges

Thursday, January 4th, 2024

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

The annual athletic standoff between the Fire and Police departments took place last Saturday, Dec. 9. This year’s basketball tournament featured men’s teams from Molokai, as well as a police team from Maui and a women’s championship.

The contests were punctuated by tough rebounds, smooth jump shots and competitive play. Da Hui claimed the title for the men’s tournament, with a win over the Maui Police. For the women, Queen B’s held on for the win in what was the closest match of the night.

In the main event, the police jumped out to a quick lead, but were unable to hold on.…

Hole-in-One

Wednesday, November 8th, 2023

By Rick Schonely

On Wednesday, Sept. 20 some magic happened at Iconic Ironwood Hills golf course. Kamoana Spencer, the pride of Spencer’s Bus Service, Maui County Firefighter extraordinaire and all-around awesome guy, got his first ever hole-in-one! Spencer got his hole-in-one on the number 16 hole of the back nine of the skins tournament that day and he used a nine iron from 204 yards for his first ace! The 16th hole is the number 7 hole, the iconic downhill par three with the million-dollar view. Spencer’s first ever ace was witnessed by his twin brother Kawai Spencer, and Dana Takashima, Ronald “Naka” Nakagawa, Jeff Egusa and Rick Schonely.…

October Golf Ace

Wednesday, October 25th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Rick Schonely 

Jennie Makaiwi is the October Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club.
Makaiwi is a longtime supporter of the club, and she makes the most awesome desserts for the club luncheons. She shot 48–52 for a gross total of 100. With her 35 handicap, her 65 net score got her the victory. Makaiwi now qualifies for the Club Championship Ace of Aces on Dec. 2. Congratulations Jennie!! 

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

Football Clinches Title, Volleyball Prepares for Tournament

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor 

Molokai Farmers Football won their seventh consecutive Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) eight-man title with a 59-34 win over Hana on Oct. 7. 

David Kalilikane put up big numbers with three rushing and three passing touchdowns, punctuated by two decisive rushing touchdowns to end the game. 

Christian Nip also had three touchdowns including a massive 72-yard kick return in the fourth quarter. 

Likewise contributing with touchdowns to the strong offensive performance were Clarence Tanabe, Kinohi Kaupu and Jonah Dudoit, who ran back a 68-yard punt in the third quarter. 

The Farmers ended the year 5-0 in division play, with two games left in their season. …

Big Strides for Football and Air Riflery

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

By Maria Angst, Community Reporter 

On Sept. 30, Molokai Football triumphed over Seabury Hall 40-14 in a comeback victory.   

The game kicked off with Seabury Hall taking an early lead in the first quarter. Elima Dagan sprinted 60 yards for a touchdown, but the extra point attempt failed. Molokai quickly responded, with Christian Nip scoring a 14-yard run, followed by a successful pass from Tonka Kalilikane to Kinohi Kaupu. 

The second quarter was all about Molokai’s relentless offense. Kahakoi Lopez caught a 9-yard pass from Kalilikane, widening their lead. Kalilikane further showcased his skills with two consecutive 4-yard and 2-yard runs, though the extra point attempts fell short. …

Strong Performances from Air Riflery and Volleyball

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

By Maria Angst, Community Reporter 

Molokai High School (MHS) Air Riflery showed promising results in their first postal of the season. Top shooters for the girls were No’eau Lenwai in 10th place and Zaylynn Satele-Tangonan in 16th place. For the boys, Kaldryn Lenwai took 18th place and Jaden Sasade 48th place.

Other shooters competing included Mason Habon, Nykee Naeole-Starky, Randyn Cabreros, Malie Kaahanui, Alexis Bishaw-Juario, and Kaizen Lenwai.

Girls Volleyball continued to be victorious, winning both matches this past weekend over Haleakala Waldorf at the Barn.

On Friday Sept. 29, Molokai secured the victory against Waldorf with a score of 3-1.…

Hole-in-One

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

Community Contributed

By Rick Schonely 

Ronald “Naka” Nakagawa recorded the sixth hole-in-one of his lifetime on Sunday, Sept. 17 at iconic Ironwood Hills golf course. Naka, a retired US postal employee and one of Molokai’s professional golfers and all-around great guy, used a seven iron from 125 yards at the white tees on the back nine of his round on Sunday. It is the number one hole but on the back nine it is number 10. This hole-in-one will add to the four others that he has at Ironwood Hills along with one that he recorded at Kaluakoi golf course. Six total aces in his 62 year golf career, which is awesome.…