Molokaʻi-2-Oʻahu Paddleboard World Championships 2026: Registration Opens March 14 for Legendary Kaiwi Channel Race
The iconic Molokaʻi‑2‑Oʻahu Paddleboard World Championships will return this summer with races scheduled for July 20 and July 26, 2026, once again challenging the world’s best ocean athletes to cross the legendary Kaiwi Channel.
Online registration for the 2026 edition opens March 14 at 7:00 AM HST at Molokai2Oahu.com, with limited spots expected to fill quickly for one of the most prestigious endurance races in paddlesports.
Each year, the event attracts more than 300 elite paddlers from around the world competing across prone paddleboard, stand-up paddle (SUP), and foil divisions. Athletes take on the challenging open-ocean crossing from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu, navigating powerful currents, shifting winds, and unpredictable conditions across the Kaiwi Channel.
Great memories from 2025 when we had another historic crossing of the Kaiwi Channel.
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Registration Window and Entry Process
Registration for both the M2O Foil Race (July 20) and the M2O Paddleboard Race (July 26) will run from March 14 to April 5, 2026 (11:59 PM HST).
Due to consistently high demand, the race uses a registration window system to allocate starting positions:
- Returning M2O competitors may register on a first-come, first-served basis.
- First-time participants must submit an application for review and approval in addition to registering.
- Official start lists will be published by April 15, 2026.
- Once entries sell out, additional applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
Organizers advise athletes to prepare early, as race slots typically fill rapidly.
Foil Division Returns with Dedicated Race Day
The fast-growing foil division will again have its own dedicated race day on July 20, highlighting the explosive growth of downwind foiling.
The 40-mile course finishes in Waikīkī, following the Maui to Molokai Challenge held earlier that weekend.
The island of Molokaʻi will also host visiting athletes through the Molokaʻi Holokai Hoʻolauleʻa, celebrating Hawaiian ocean culture and the heritage of long-distance paddling.
Koa Kai Crown Expands Hawaii’s Downwind Racing Season
The registration launch also coincides with the announcement of the Koa Kai Crown, a multi-event series spanning over 80 miles of racing between July 5 and July 20 across Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu.
New for 2026:
- A points system across all five races
- The addition of the Kamalo Downwind Paddle Race to the series
Both M2O World Champions and Koa Kai Crown winners will be celebrated following the M2O foil race finish in Waikīkī.
Historic Paddleboard Race Celebrates 27th Edition
The traditional M2O Paddleboard Race will take place on July 26, marking the 27th edition of the historic event.
The race remains open to solo paddlers and relay teams, continuing its legacy as one of the most respected endurance paddleboard competitions in the world.
A new addition for 2026 is the 14-foot prone open division, reflecting evolving board designs and the growing diversity of equipment used in global paddleboard racing.
July Becomes Hawaii’s Ultimate Downwind Racing Month
The Molokaʻi-2-Oʻahu race caps off a full month of premier downwind events across the Hawaiian Islands. Confirmed races include:
- Da Hui Paddle Race – July 4
- Voyager X Wetfeet Downwind Challenge – July 5
- Cline Mann Paddleboard Race – July 11
- Paddle Imua – July 12
- Kamalo Downwind Paddle Race – July 17
- Maui to Molokai Challenge – July 18
- Hawaiʻi Paddleboard Championship – July 18
Organizers also hinted at a triple-crown style series for prone paddlers, expected to be announced soon.
Virtual Race Returns for Global Participation
For athletes unable to compete in Hawaii, the M2O Virtual Edition 7.0 returns this summer, allowing paddlers worldwide to participate “Anywhere, Anytime, on Anything.”
The virtual format has become a popular way for paddlers around the globe to join the M2O community while celebrating the spirit of ocean racing.
One of the World’s Ultimate Ocean Challenges
For nearly three decades, the Molokaʻi-2-Oʻahu Paddleboard World Championships has remained one of the most respected and demanding endurance races in paddlesports.
Crossing the Kaiwi Channel requires elite ocean knowledge, physical endurance, and mental resilience, making the race a bucket-list achievement for paddlers around the world.
Athletes interested in competing are encouraged to review all race information and register through the official website once entries open.
Registration opens March 14, 2026 at 7:00 AM HST.
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