WAIKIKI, Oahu (KHON2) — There are just six days until the iconic Molokai canoe race across the Kaiwi Channel.
Monday, Oct. 6, marked the official kickoff for the event, and KHON2 went to the Molokai Hoe Expo.
The countdown has begun for the Molokai Hoe race, and the co-chair for the event said that the Expo is where things start to feel real.
“For the paddlers, they get to see each other and meet each other, shake hands, especially some of our international partners who have already arrived,” said Molokai Channel Committee co-chair Ikaika Rogerson. “Typically, our first men’s crew finishes in about four hours and 30 minutes. Last year was the first year we came back with Molokai Hoe and Na Wahine O Ke Kai. We had the 57 crews for the men’s race. This year, we have almost double.”
A Tahitian crew came in first for the Na Wahine race — Francis Morad with the Tahitian paddling club To’atai has been paddling for two decades and tells me he is optimistic about the men stamping their names on the trophy on Sunday, Oct. 12.
“It’s an honor for our country. So, we were very happy that the wahine won last weekend’s race. We hope to get our division as Master 50 men’s,” Morad said. “I feel confident, we’ve got a good team.”
Outrigger Canoe Club head coach George Wilson said the competition is not just about winning.
“There’s so many people that paved the road for us to be where we are, where we’re at today. And, I think there’s just a lot of homage to them and you know, kind of continuing traditions for myself, being a Hawaiian,” Wilson said.
Head Water Official Cesar Emanuello said koa canoes will be the first in the water on Sunday to honor the tradition of carving them in the Islands.
“So, when I do release them from the harbor to go to the buffer zone, the koa canoe will lead the pack. So it’ll be very symbolic to honor the Koa Canoe, what that meant for Hawaiian canoe racing,” Emanuello said.
KHON2 heard one similar message from all of those in attendance — this is more than a sport.
“It’s a lifestyle! And I just, I absolutely love it, this is my life,” he said.
KHON2 will have live coverage of the entire race starting at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday on KHII, KHON2.com and the KHON+ app.