Local Artisans Join Efforts to Build a Hui

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

A small group of Molokai artisans joined efforts a year ago. A few months later, a new nonprofit organization was born, creating opportunities to capitalize on grants, trade valuable information, and find mutual support to become more financially viable. 

The Molokai Alliance for Native Artisans was formed in November 2024 and officially registered as a nonprofit in February 2025. Among other goals, the alliance aims to seek grants to offset member’s travel costs for off-island events.

MANA treasurer and co-founder Vanalouise Naehu said the nonprofit was formed because many native-owned microbusinesses on the island were facing the same challenges, including limited access, high costs and very little visibility outside Molokai.…

Kaunakahakai General Store Opens in Town

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

There is a new store in town. Kaunakahakai General Store hosted a grand opening with different activities last weekend at Ala Malama Avenue in Kaunakakai, following a soft opening a couple weeks prior.

“We just wanted something where you could buy curated, locally owned goods and support the local economy, and really have a lot more gifting (choices),” Lihau Willing said. “Our brands that we carry in here are all owned by Hawaii-based companies.”

The grand opening Nov. 22 had fun keiki activities, food samples from local vendors, giveaways, discounted products and flash tattoos by local artist Sage Yamashita.…

‘Holidays at Lanikeha’ Starts Countdown to Christmas

Thursday, November 27th, 2025

By Léo Azambuja

The countdown to Christmas has begun. A family-oriented holiday fair held by the Molokai Homestead Farmers Alliance last week had a wide variety of affordable Christmas gifts from dozens of vendors, just in time for the holidays.

“This is Holidays at Lanikeha. It’s a yearly thing that we do, usually in November and December,” MHFA president Faith Tuipulotu said. “We get crafters that come out, anybody that makes things, whatever their craft is.”

Thirty different vendors, including three food booths, participated in the Holidays at Lanikeha fair at the main hall at Lanikeha Community Center in Hoʻolehua on the evening of Nov.…

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. …

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.”…

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.…