Molokai Holokai 2023

The Molokai Holokai is not just a paddle Race, it is an experience. What started in 2003 as a Maui to Molokai channel crossing as Na Opio Hana Pa’a, a Celebration of Youth Opportunities is the only Maui to Molokai paddle race. In fact its more than a paddle race: It’s a cultural experience. The Pailolo Channel is known as one of the best down winders on the planet and it draws participants from all over the world.

More than just a channel crossing

The Molokai Holokai is more than just a channel crossing: It is two days full of activities. Paddlers and foilers find their way across the Pailolo Channel starting from Maui’s north west coast and head 27 miles (43km) to Kaunakakai on Molokai. After an afternoon of rest at the Hotel Molokai the activities continue the day after with with another down wind run know as the Kamalo Run. This is truly the best downwind run on the planet. Winds are blowing up to 30kts and the bumps run though shallow water.

The event is organized for the kids on Molokai to have a day of fun in the water and on land. We highly recommend to stay for the next day and participate in activites like the Kamalo Run, the Gorilla Ogo and Mangrove Seed Contest, Cultural Workshops, a Skate Jam Session and the Molokai Holo 5k Fun Run.

Logistics are taken care of

We all know the channel crossing races in Hawaii are a logistical nightmare. Molokai is not very well connected to the rest of the islands and transportation of gear and people can be a hassle. In case of the Molokai Holokai the organizer Clare Albino has you covered. You will be able to book a boat back to Maui on the website and don’t need to worry about making phone calls and asking around. In fact you are not even obligated to have an escort boat for this race. You can do the best channel crossing of your live and be back home the same evening.

If you are not hooked yet then check out this video:

For all of you race lovers we do have some numbers from 2022: Fastest over all was Zane Schweizter wing foiling the 27 miles in 1:33:00 meaning he is clocking an average speed of about 13 – 14 miles per hour, that is over 20 km/h. On SUP Foil, Kane De Wilde did it in 1:48:14 and on traditional SUP it was Connor Baxter crossing in a time of 3:15:00 which is still extremely fast.

Fun for everybody in the Pailolo Channel and beyond