Registration for Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai, Moloka‘i Hoe Filling Fast

O‘ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association News Release

There is still time to register for the 2026 O‘ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) Molokaʻi Channel World Championships. Crews from O‘ahu, California, British Columbia and Tahiti have already secured their places among the limited slots in the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai on September 27 and Moloka‘i Hoe on October 11 respectively. For teams wishing to compete against top paddlers from across the globe, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is required across all paddling divisions ranging from Junior level to 65 years and over. 

The 2026 Molokaʻi Channel races presented by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority represent a grueling challenge for paddlers from around the world. The epic 43-mile journey begins at Hale O Lono Harbor on Molokai and concludes at Kahanamoku Beach in Waikīkī on Oahu. The finish line will be open to the public, with free workshops, educational booths and entertainment for families and spectators. Ongoing coverage of each race will be live broadcast internationally by Hawaii’s TV Stations KHON2 and KHII Channel 5. 

“Hawaiian canoe racing was born in Hawaii, and it is our mission to continue uplifting and educating the world about this beloved sport,” said Siana Hunt, president of OHCRA. “We’re grateful to our partners and sponsors for enabling these legendary races to endure, and we look forward to seeing the crews of Hawaii rise to the challenge once more.”

To register for the Na Wahine O Ke Kai, visit nawahineokekai.com before the deadline on Monday, September 21 at 6 p.m. HST. Registration for the Molokaʻi Hoe can be found at molokaihoe.com and closes Monday, October 5 at 6 p.m. HST. 

Crews who would like assistance with registration and to shop race merch may visit the race expo for the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai on September 21 at Bishop Museum: home to a number of significant collection objects and ephemera related to Hawaiian canoe racing history. The Molokaʻi Hoe expo will take place on October 5 at the same location.

For more information on the race registration, rules and regulations, visit www.ohcra.com.