It is with the heaviest of hearts and profound sadness that Na Wahine O Ke Kai women’s Molokai to Oahu canoe race announce the cancellation of the 2023 race scheduled for Sunday, September 24, 2023.  The 41-mile race was slated to begin at Hale o Lono Harbor on southwest Molokai and end at Waikiki Beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. 

Not one of us could have foretold the tragedy that has developed on our sister island of Maui this past week, and our hearts grieve for our island community that has faced such overwhelming loss of life and community.  

This decision was not made lightly as we understand that many of our crews have already made commitments to travel from international, national, and neighbor island locations.  We will be reaching out to the many crews that looked forward to returning to this iconic race, as well as our remarkable race sponsors and volunteers to advise them of this cancellation. We ask for patience as we notify everyone individually about this cancellation.   

Additionally, many donations were contributed by generous individuals through a GoFundMe page that was set up to assist in the repair of the road to Hale O Lono.  These funds will be saved and devoted to the road repair next year. 

To explain the logistical challenges we would now face to run this race, and the resources required that are now needed to assist the Maui community, pale in comparison to the heartache we feel for our Maui sisters and brothers. 

As mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts, our hearts ache for the loss of life and property.  The devastating events that have unfolded serve to strengthen the commitment we make to each other each day that allows us to keep our island home and the people who make Hawaii such a special place. 

Please hold the Maui community in your thoughts and prayers. Consider making a financial donation to assist our brave and resilient community in the rebuilding process.

Mission Statement

Provide an opportunity for women to challenge their mind, body and spirit through Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing.

Vision Statement:

Na Wahine O Ke Kai is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to perpetuating Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling and to honor, preserve and perpetuate the combined culture, science, tradition, protocol and innovation of the outrigger canoe.

Our primary purpose is to support and conduct a long-distance canoe race each year for women and promote interclub, interisland and international Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing.

Core Values:

  1. Hoomau: preserve, perpetuate, continue
  2. Ike Pono: to know, to feel, to understand
  3. Kuleana: privilege, responsibility, title, job
  4. Malama: caring, nurturing others, to protect
  5. Kokua: help, assist, comfort, support

We will engage in, promote, encourage participation in, and provide education and instruction in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture through canoeing and other related activities on a local, national, and international basis.

Important:

The Paddler Classifieds is being offered as a courtesy to paddlers and crews.  Postings are not reviewed by Na Wahine O Ke Kai for accuracy and we assume no liability for individual posts.  Boats that escort crews require an experienced skill set for this challenging and often dangerous job of transferring paddlers to and from the boat to their canoe.  We strongly recommend that crews thoroughly vet any escort boat for prior experience, proper captain documentation, condition and size of boat including prop guards, swim step or other access into the boat, insurance documentation, or any other information to ensure the safety of a crew.