An Evening Surprise at the November Ahiahi Makeke

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED

By Desirae Mendija

A usual crowd of vendors and shoppers gathered Friday Nov. 7 on the back lawn of the Storehouse in Kaunakakai. The Aloha Ahiahi Makeke assembles the first Friday evening of every month, featuring live entertainment, Molokai-made crafts and ono local foods. 

The evening began at 5 p.m. with a performance by Patrick Hiro, John Aki, Vic Patron and Adrian Canencia. As the sun started setting and overhead lights began to illuminate, announcements to stick around for Molokai’s newest band, “Da Jukes,” were made. 

Da Jukes comprised of Jessica Sakurada, Robert Shizuma, Melia Kalawe, Leonaka Burrows, Kahale Naehu-Ramos and Edwin Mendija (Molokai born and/or raised) described themselves as “a product of (their) unique upbringings,” and said they were “happy to share (their) combined talents with Molokai.”…

Master Blaster Race Returns

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

Molokai’s most fun outrigger canoe race returned last Saturday after a six-year break, bringing with it — besides drunken crews — a wide range of musical genres, from early rockabilly to American blues and heavy metal, with everything in between.

“It’s our 35th year of having this event,” said Liko Wallace, co-organizer of the August Rawlins Sr. Classic Race, also known as the Molokai Master Blaster Race.

“The Blues Brothers” were the first male crew to arrive at the finish line at Molokai Canoe Club. The “Ozzy Osbourne Wahines,” paying tribute to Black Sabbath’s former lead singer, were the first female crew. …

Fires Destroy Structures in Hoʻolehua, Maunaloa

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Despite the light showers that sprinkled over Molokai last week, it was an eventful week for firefighters on the island. In less than an hour and a half, two separate fires destroyed three structures on the island.

On Nov. 12, Engine 9, Engine 4 and Tanker 4 responded to a fire at the 2600 block of Lihi Pali Avenue in Hoʻolehua at 3:43 p.m., according to the Maui Fire Department. 

“Firefighters arrived to find a roughly 1,800 square-foot structure fully involved (in fire). Firefighters extended hose lines to extinguish the fire and prevent spread in the neighbouring brush,” according to a fire department press release.…

Molokai Paniolo Heritage Festival & Rodeo

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

A full-day rodeo festival last Saturday in Hoʻolehua attended by hundreds of people celebrated the paniolo culture that is still alive and thriving on Molokai. 

“This is the Molokai Heritage Rodeo. Today we are just coming together to rodeo and have fun, and share a little bit about the paniolo heritage,” Cheyanne Keliihoomalu said. “We also honored two of our very dear paniolo who just passed away; Uncle Vernon DeMello and Uncle Clifford Dudoit.”

The festival opened at 8 a.m., but the rodeo events began at noon and lasted way past 4 p.m. Seventy-three paniolo, including 17 from other islands, from little keiki to kupuna competed in 16 categories.…