Crossing the world to cross the channel: Molokai Hoe set for Sunday
Molokai Hoe outrigger canoe race to start at Hale O Lono Harbor
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Paddlers from the Hawaiian Islands, Tahiti, Brazil, Hong Kong, Canada and Australia will gather Oct. 11 to compete in the currents and channels off Hawaii.
The 2026 Molokai Hoe Canoe Race is a 41-mile race that will start at Hale O Lono Harbor on Molokai and finish at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu.
Organizers trace the origins of the race back to 1952, when three Koa outrigger canoes launched from Kawakiu Bay on Molokai and crossed the Kaiwi Channel to Waikiki.
Now, the Molokai Hoe has grown into one of Hawaii's longest-running annual team sporting events. The race pays homage to Hawaiian and Polynesian cultural traditions, while celebrating outrigger paddling and its deep roots in Hawaii. Today, the event draws more than 1,000 paddlers from across the world, while keeping the Hawaiian protocol at its core.
"The dream of a women’s Molokai-to-Oahu canoe race began in 1954, two years after the inaugural men’s event," said Pōlani Moʻokini, a spokesperson for the race.
"In October 1975, with favorable conditions, two crews of 18 women each made the first unofficial crossing," Mo'okini added. "In 2023, the baton of race production was passed from the Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai Board of Directors to the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, uniting this esteemed race with the Molokai Hoe under a single banner."
Competing in such a rigorous competition is no easy feat. The Kaiwi Channel is known as one of the world’s most treacherous, deep and unpredictable ocean stretches, and the competition requires endurance, strength and teamwork with divisions ranging from juniors to ages 65 and older.
Organizers said a high level of mental preparation and resilience are necessary to sustain hours of paddling across the open ocean.
Women's crews paddle off Molokai during the 2025 Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai race across the Kaiwi Channel to Oahu. Photo courtesy Ethan Wescoatt
"Mastery of the canoe itself, paired with genuine respect for the culture behind the sport, is considered essential to truly compete at a championship level," Moʻokini said.
Native Hawaiian culture sits at the heart of the Molokai Hoe.
"As (Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association) treasurer Ikaika Rogerson put it, the races represent a commitment to upholding Hawaiian culture and reclaiming paddling as a Hawaiian tradition through oli, protocol and education," Moʻokini explained. "OHCRA has coined an oli for cultural protocol and has sustained this practice through this year's regatta season. OHCRA has also welcomed back the race's connection to the Aloha Festivals Court, a representation of the ali'i (ruling chiefs) of Hawaii’s history, serving as the centerpiece of the race finish lines."
The cultural commitment has also become a way for increased community collaboration.
"OHCRA board members work year-round with local Molokai families to establish fishing zones, coordinate safety guidelines and support local rental and business offerings for visitors," Moʻokini said. "Ahead of the 2026 race, OHCRA partnered with the state Department of Transportation and Maui Public Works to restore the road to Hale O Lono and cleared trees to improve access, work they’ll continue to maintain going forward."
The race will culminate in an awards ceremony with live music and entertainment. It will be live streamed on KHON2 for those who are unable to make it in person but would still like to witness the festivities.
People can also follow the Molokai Hoe Canoe Race on Instagram and Facebook via @officialohcra, @officialnawahineokekai and @officialmolokaihoe, or visit ohcra.com for updates.