Sports

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.   …

June Golf Ace

Thursday, June 13th, 2024

Community Contributed
By Rick Schonely

Ponciano Raguindin is the June Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club.
Raguindin, a veteran PE teacher at Molokai High School and Molokai’s FIL-AM pro golfer, shot 36–39 for a gross total of 75 and with his 11 handicap his 64 net got him the victory. Congratulations Poncie!

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.…

May Golf Ace

Thursday, May 16th, 2024

By Rick Schonely

Don Habon is the May Ace winner for the Hui O Kukui Golf Club.
Habon, a real Molokai Cowboy and all-around great guy, shot 42-43 for a gross total of 85. With his 18 handicap, his 67 net got him the victory! Congratulations Don!

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.

 …

Middle School Soccer Up and Running

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Soccer players from Molokai Middle School had a chance to test their skills in a season opener scrimmage. The soccer team will hold another scrimmage on May 8 at Molokai High School before traveling to Maui on May 18 to compete in a tournament.…

Softball Wins MIL Championship

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Lady Farmers Softball took on Lanai to determine the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) champion this past weekend. The number one ranked Lady Farmers contested the final at home. Friday’s game went into the 6th inning tied, 22-22, when it was delayed due to darkness. The 7th inning began Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The Lady Farmers held the Pine Lasses scoreless, before putting up the walk-off run in the bottom of the 7th, resulting in a 23-22 win for Molokai. With the win, the Lady Farmers claimed the regular season and tournament championship for the MIL Division II, as well as the number one seed for the upcoming state tournament.…

Farmers Roll at MILs

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Famers Volleyball got the weekend started by claiming the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II title. Defeating Seabury Hall in a tournament held on Lanai, the boys volleyball team capped off an undefeated season and earned back-to-back MIL championships. The Hale Domingo coached crew will make the journey to Oahu to compete in the state tournament from May 9-11.

Likewise, Farmers Baseball finished a perfect season by securing the MIL Division II title. Defeating Seabury Hall in a 2-0 victory, the Farmers earned an astounding tenth straight MIL title. The Farmers held Seabury to seven scoreless innings, with both David Lima-English and Kobra Cariaga-Abafo throwing no-hitters in the win.…