Paddling Championships to Return

Photo courtesy of OHCRA

Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association News Release

After a four-year hiatus, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) is proud to announce the return of the Molokai Channel World Championships, Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe. Registration is now open to all eligible paddling divisions from the junior level to 70 years and over.

The Na Wahine O Ke Kai Championship race kicks off a two-week stint of inter-island paddling as the top female paddlers from across the globe take on this grueling inter-island challenge on Sunday, September 29. The Molokai Hoe follows on Sunday, October 13, celebrating the 72nd crossing of the Ka‘iwi Channel. Both races will start at Hale O Lono on Molokai, symbolizing the beginning of a challenging 41-mile journey across the Ka‘iwi Channel to Waikiki on Oahu.

“Over the last 70 plus years, the crossing of the Ka‘iwi Channel has become the cornerstone of achievement in the wa‘a community,” said Luana Froiseth, race director of OHCRA. “This time-honored showcase of commitment to the preservation of Hawaiian canoe racing culture honors the rich heritage while uniting paddlers from around the world.”

The Molokai Hoe World Championship has become one of the longest running annual team sporting events in Hawaii. This prestigious race serves as the men’s world championship event attracting over 1,000 of the world’s top paddlers from Hawaii, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond because of the challenging conditions. Now under the stewardship of OHCRA, the Na Wahine O Ke Kai continues its own legacy as one of the most iconic and beloved events in Hawaiian canoe racing. The unpredictable ocean conditions and strong currents make this racecourse one of the most formidable, testing the skills and endurance of participants.

Together, both races perpetuate one of Hawaii and Polynesia’s most important and historic cultural traditions, while honoring outrigger canoe paddlers around the world. OHCRA is committed to producing the 2024 Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe in a way that respects the Molokai community. Through partnerships with airline carriers, OHCRA has made it a priority to bolster flight options for the full week of travel leading up to each race while ensuring flight availability for community travel needs. All race participants are asked to plan in advance of the race to coordinate logistics with air travel and boat transport. By respecting the community’s needs, OHCRA aims to ensure that both channel races are not only thrilling sporting events but also celebrations of our shared Hawaiian community, culture, and traditions. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the races will be dedicated to supporting The Friends of Molokai High and Middle Schools Foundation to make a tangible difference in the lives of the Molokai community beyond the race itself.