By Kaʻimookalani Muhlestein
Ma ka 2025 Molokaʻi Hoe – World Championship – ua hōʻike ʻia ke kūpaʻa o ka mana o ka hoe waʻa, kekahi o nā hana kuʻuna aloha o Hawaiʻi. ʻĀkoakoa mai nā kanaka hoʻokūkū a me nā poʻe mākaʻikaʻi i ka hoʻolauleʻa. ʻIke ʻia ka haʻaheo Hawaiʻi, ka hana noʻeau o ke kālai waʻa, ka mākaukau o nā hoe waʻa, a me ka ikaika o ka pilina kaiāulu.
Kaulana nō kēia heihei- a holo nā waʻa mai ke one o Molokaʻi, i ke kōwā o Kaʻiwi, a i ke kahakai o Kālia, Waikīkī. He 40-mile ka lōihi. He mea kupaianaha! Ua lanakila nā hoe waʻa mai Tahiti mai, a kau lākou i nā kūlana kiʻekiʻe o ka hoʻokūkū. I ka pani ʻana hīmeni mākou a pau i ka mele Hawaiʻi Aloha. Ua nani nō hoʻi.
Ke hoihoi ka ʻiʻini e kipa mai i kēia makahiki aʻe – e hele mai. Manuahi ka hele ʻana, a kono ʻia ka lehulehu. He wā e hoʻonanea, e aʻo mai i ke kumu hohonu o ka moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi, a e hōʻike i ke aloha Hawaiʻi i ke ao holoʻokoʻa.
The 2025 Molokaʻi Hoe World Championship showcased the enduring spirit of Hawaiʻi’s cherished canoe racing tradition. Competitors and spectators alike gathered to celebrate this sport. Within this event, you could see the shared pride of Hawaiʻi, the depth of craftsmanship knowledge, the preparation of the athletes, and the strength of the community’s support/relationship.
This is a famous race – that travels from the sands of Molokaʻi, through the Kaʻiwi channel, and arrives at the shores of Kālia, Waikīkī. The race is 41-miles in length. It is an amazing feat! Crews from Tahiti dominated the competition, capturing top honors among the elite entries. As the event was approaching the end, we all came together to close by singing Hawaiʻi Aloha. It was beautiful.
If you are encouraged to join in next year – please come. This event is free and open to the public. The event is a time to relax, to learn about the deep foundations of Hawaiʻi’s cultural heritage, community pride, and demonstrate the spirit of aloha with the world.
