MOLOKA'I EVENTS

Moloka`i's various cultures celebrate throughout the year with annual festivals, games, traditional Hawaiian gatherings and more.  Most feature hula and Hawaiian chants performed by Moloka'i residents committed to preserving and celebrating Hawaiian culture.
In addition, there are sporting events held throughout the year.  A 60 and 100k UltraMarathon draws an international field as do annual Hawaiian canoe races over a 20 mile open ocean course to the island of Oahu.

ISLAND OF MOLOKA`I

CALENDAR OF EVENTS -- 2008


JANUARY 26th 

KA MOLOKA`I MAKAHIKI FESTIVAL

OHANA KO MOLOKAI - Molokai's Spirit and People Flourish
Join Us as We Celebrate our 26th Year

The "Makahiki" is a designated period of time following the harvesting season when wars and battles were ceased, tributes and taxes were paid by each district to the ruling chief, sporting competitions between villages (districts) were organized and festive events were commenced. Ka Molokai Makahiki is committed to preserving these ancient traditions, especially those specific to Molokai. Through a series of lectures, land and ocean activities, hands on art and craft workshops, sporting competitions, oli composition competitions and traditional ceremonies, the Makahiki is alive and well on Molokai. Held on January 26th from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center in the heart of Kaunakakai Town. The Makahiki Committee has a variety of trainers and training materials to assist others in organizing their own Makahiki Games. For further information, contact Shirley Rawlins 808-553.3214.

APRIL 18th 

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

Since 1995, The Nature Conservancy has sponsored Molokai Earth Day. The purpose of the event is to educate residents and visitors about the part they can play in preserving our natural and cultural resources. The event will be held on Friday, April 21st from 5:00 pm to 9:00pm at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai. There will be ono food, great entertainment, lots of prizes and educational displays. Come join us in celebrating Earth Day. For further information, please contact Kathy Tachibana at The Nature Conservancy 808-553-5236. Other events sponsored by TNC include Kamakou Hikes, Mo'omomi Hikes; Pelekunu Hunts, Kamalo Goat Hunts and Kawela Goat Hunts.

APRIL 19th

HO`OMAU CONCERT ~ BENEFITING

PUNANA LEO O MOLOKAI 

Hawaiian Educational Ho'olaulea (Festival) to benefit Punana Leo O Molokai. Festival includes Hawaiian Music, Crafts, Food Booths and Keiki Games. Held at Lanikeha Center in Hoolehua from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Free Admission. For further information, contact: Punana Leo O Molokai weekdays at 808-567-9211.
Starbucks Coffee
APRIL 26th
Starbucks Maui Challenge
On Saturday, April 26th 2008 there will be much excitement and activity at Flemings Beach as hundreds of paddlers from throughout the state of Hawaii, the continental US, Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand prepare for the 22 mile Starbucks Maui Challenge race. This race is known as a favorite downwind surfing run and the fastest men will complete it in less than 3 hours. The women take off at 9:30 am followed by the men at 9:45am. The paddlers will make their way into and across the Pailolo Channel, paddle down the coast of Molokai to be greeted by friends at the finish line at Kaunakakai, Molokai. This race is the second in a series of Starbucks sponsored races for OC-1; OC-2, surf ski, paddleboard and stand-up paddlers. For more information please visit www.mauicanoeandkayak.org or call 385-3016.
Starbucks Coffee
MAY 5th
KAIWI CHALLENGE RELAY
OC-1/Kayak (Surfski)
The Kaiwi Challenge, a 39-mile race for one-man canoes is held every year in May. The race starts at Kaluakoi Resort on Molokai and finishes at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Waikiki.  Contact the Hawaiian Island Paddlesports Association at http://www.kaikahoe.org, or email to hipa@kaikahoe.org, or leave a message on the infoline at 808-969-6695.

MAY 18th

KANAKA IKAIKA KAYAK RACE

The Starbucks Moloka`i Challenge solo race is the world championship of kayak and one-person canoe racing. An international contingent of men and women race solo for 32-miles across the Kaiwi Channel from Moloka`i to the east shore of Oahu, finishing at Koko Marina. The Kaiwi Channel, referred to as the "Moloka`i Channel," is considered one of the most challenging and treacherous in the world. To qualify for the Starbucks Moloka`i Challenge, local competitors are required to participate in the Poa`i Puni race series and meet specific finishing time criteria. Poa`i Puni, organized by Kanaka Ikaika, is a series of coastal races which take place between early January and the end of April. Visit y2kanu.com for details on the 2006 race or phone Kalau Jones at 808-222-5020.

MAY 15-17
Ka Hula Piko:  A Celebration of the Hula

9:00 am - 4:00 pm  PAPOHAKU BEACH PARK, WEST MOLOKA'I

Join Molokai and the rest of Hawaii as we celebrate the 17th Annual Ka Hula Piko Festival at Papohaku Beach Park, Kaluakoi, Molokai from 9:00 am - 4:00pm. Admission is free. There will be a variety of entertainment, Hawaiian Food and hand made crafts by the people of Molokai. 

A series of lectures will be presented by Halau Hula O Kukunaokala beginning Friday, May 16th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ku Lana O Iwi Pavilion. Contact Louise Bush 808-553-3673.

JULY 27th

Molokai - Oahu Paddle Board Race

QuiksilverEdition Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard race.
Australia stamped its dominance on international paddleboard racing in 2002, swamping an international field of more than 70 paddlers to take the top four places in the 32-mile Quicksilveredition Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race. Considered to be the world championship of long distance paddleboard racing, the event was won by 25-year-old Jamie Mitchell in a time of five hours, 44 minutes and 40 seconds. This year promises to be an event you won’t want to miss. Starting at Kaluakoi Beach on Molokai at 7:00am and finishing at Maunaloa Bay, Oahu around 12:30 pm. Contact MikeTakahashi at 808-638-8208 or at mike.takahaski@congrafoods.com. 


AUGUST (T.B.A) 
MOLOKAID BOWHUNTERS STATE TOURNAMENT
6th Annual Nationally Sanctioned Event. 25 Targets & Marked Animals. Divisions include; Freestyle, Barebow Bow hunter, Barebow Freestyle or Traditional (Recurved or LongBow). Age groups include: Cubs (11 & Under), Youth (12-14), Young Adults (15-17), Adults, (18 & above), Guests and Olympic Class

Entry forms and events details can be obtained by calling Aki Kawano at 808-553-3366 or Moses Luczon at 808-553-5780. Spectators are welcome at no additional charge. Event apparel as well as food & beverage booths will be available at the tournament. For those interested on going on a hunt for Axis deer at Molokai Ranch on August 21st contact Joey Joao (cell) 808-336-0095 or (808) 553-3329.

Na Wahine O Ke Kai
SEPTEMBER 28th
NA WAHINE O KE KAI
This is it -- the finale of outrigger canoe racing for women around the world. This race ends the 9-month season of outrigger racing. Na Wahine O Ke Kai is celebrating their twenty-eighth year, so please join these outstanding women at Hale O Lono Harbor on the southwestern shores of Molokai as they compete in this 40 mile race to Oahu. What a fun way to start your day by watching the sunrise and the start of race beginning at 7:00 am on Sunday morning. The Finish line is fronting the shores of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This event is organized by Na Wahine Race Association. Contact Hannie Anderson for details at 808-259-7112 or visit http://holoholo.org/wahine/

Aloha Week Festivals

ALOHA WEEK FESTIVALS 

September 

Aloha Festivals is Hawaii’s premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawaii’s music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique island traditions. We invite you to explore and find out what makes Aloha Festivals special. Aloha Festivals is proudly presented by Bank of Hawaii and American Express.

Our Molokai Island Chairperson is Tina Thompson. She can be contacted at Tina.Thompson@co.maui.hi.us or visit http://alohafestivals.com/
 

OCTOBER 12th 
MOLOKAI HOE CANOE RACE
A 41-mile Outrigger Canoe race from Molokai to Oahu across the Kaiwi Channel, the Molokai Hoe is considered the world championship of men's long-distance outrigger canoe racing. The race begins at 7:00 am at Hale O Lono Harbor and finishes at Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki. Contact Hannie Anderson for details at 808-259-7112 or visit http://holoholo.org/
All events listed on this site are free of charge. Add yours today by calling us at (808) 553-3876 or email us at mva@mobettah.net. Events are subject to change with or without notice. 

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