Maui to Molokai Challenge Race Updates-


06/10/2026

Maui to Molokai Challenge Check-in to Finish Details

Join us for an epic paddle race from Maui to Molokai! Experience the thrill of crossing the channel and challenging yourself in this iconic event.

Times may change in the coming weeks based on weather and some other logistics. We will announce if any major changes via email

Schedule of Events

Molokai Holokai

Parking at DT Fleming

https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1xpywj1_oaD0HQbLTJWNV8S9v0DAG-2oR?usp=sharing

Google Earth

When clicking on Google earth it may appear that it is not working but click on the symbol on the right that says open in a new tab. You can also click on the links but it may not open in a new tab

If you want to park for the day please do the following:

  • Go to your racer dashboard and edit the question about the parking
  • We will need vehicle license plate numbers
  • Understand there is no security here so do not leave valuables in the car
  • We are pulling the final list for parking on Thursday 18th and will be sending to Maui Land and Pineapple

For luggage and if you need to add on extra bags, please go to the store and then add in your registration number.


Click on the item needed

Once you have done this you can purchase what you need.


VERY IMPORTANT - We are only accepting luggage that is tagged and registered. Our luggage boat can only hold so much. We need to know if we need to add in another boat and not on the day of the race.

We are not taking boards!!! Board bags are considered an extra bag

Safety Video - All to watch including Escort Boat Captains

If you have an escort boat , you must register the boat so we know who is on the water. All escort boats must be up todate with their registration and documents as we are requesting the coastguard to be present.

Please go into your racer dashboard on Race Roster as shown in this example below and click edit registration:




Molokai Protocol

Escort boats are NOT ALLOWED in the start and the LOADING ZONES. Please tell your captains to wait above and or below the start zones or anyway outside of the ZONES. Please have them be mindful of participants and not disturb the flow of the race. Remember this race is not any old race but one to celebrate our YOUTH and that is our priority.

We have two jet skis to help load luggage onto the boats from the beach.

Please have Escort Captains study the map.

The Start

Time may change based on weather. We will be changing this time based on a few factors and looking at starting later with the starting sequence for all craft within one hour of each other.

ALL RACE NUMBERS TO GO ONTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF YOUR BOARD AND TO BE CLEARLY VISIBLE FOR THE FINISH

1

7-9.00 AM Check In

All participants must check in between 8-9 AM. Everyone must pick up their DOT VISION LIVE GPS TRACKERS

09:15 AM PULE AND BRIEFING

2

Start Location

The race will start at DT Fleming Beach, Kapalua.

3

7:45-8:45 am Bag Drop off to luggage boat- Boat leaves at 9:30-10:00am

4

9:15am - Pule - All to be present


5

9:30 am - Possible early start for SUPS

6

OCS and SUPs to prepare for either beach or line start

7

TBA: AM First Start

The first race start will begin at TBA AM for all OC's and SUP's -09:30-10:00

8

Tentative Start Time on Green Flag

11:00 AM All WING FOIL

11:15 AM All SUP FOIL

Start line will adjust according to wind

LAST MINUTE CHANGES TO THE START WILL BE ANNOUNCED

Start Lines

Start for all SUP, OC, Prone and Surski craft-Click on the Arrow for the drop Down -

The start line will be from DT Fleming to Kaunakakai Wharf. Based on conditions, the start will either be a beach start or start line as shown in the diagram. A beach start will ONLY happen if there's minimal surf.

Start for SUP AND WING FOIL

This will be at the wind line outside of DT Fleming.

All SUP Foilers will do a sit down start behind the line

10 mins later All WING FOILERS racers will do a LINE AND GREEN FLAG START BETWEEN TWO BOATS

NO RABBIT START - STRICTLY FLAG AND TIMED START BETWEEN THE 2 STARTING OFFICIAL BOATS.

Video Sample of the start using jetski as the rabbit for the start starting from the leeward boat to the windward boat.

https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1XEborbkIvvlEXvWt71JlO9UZ-MSBieek?usp=sharing

DT Fleming and Starts

When clicking on Google earth it may appear that it is not working but click on the symbol on the right that says open in a new tab. You can also click on the links but it may not open in a new tab

DT Fleming to Kaunakakai Wharf - Google Earth

FLAG SEQUENCE

1

4 MINUTES TO START

Red flag will come down at 3 minutes

2

2 MINUTES TO START

Yellow flag will come down at 1 minutes

3

START

Green Flag and Horn

Race Begins

https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1XEborbkIvvlEXvWt71JlO9UZ-MSBieek?usp=sharing

Race Starting Lines and Approximate Course Options

When clicking on Google earth it may appear that it is not working but click on the symbol on the right that says open in a new tab. You can also click on the links but it may not open in a new tab

Approx Course

Racers should keep these lines in mind and be either side of the lines This is just some direct lines and wind, swell and current will play a factor in your course choice and how you plan your line to Molokai.

Those new to the race, please study the course map and be careful to not go far North or far South of these lines.

You can use the red Kamalo Buoy as your marker when getting close to Molokai letting you know it is 10 miles to go

https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1XEborbkIvvlEXvWt71JlO9UZ-MSBieek?usp=sharing

Approximate Course

When clicking on Google earth it may appear that it is not working but click on the symbol on the right that says open in a new tab. You can also click on the links but it may not open in a new tab

Kaunakakai Harbor

More detail here on Approach to Harbor and Exiting the ocean​

Please study the finish approach to the map

  • All foilers will finish at the red buoy closest to the reef and we will have a finish boat there
  • Be careful of the shallow reef and especially be warned if there is swell. The reef is super shallow. If there is a south swell we will adjust the finish line to the other side of the buoy
  • WIND CAN BE LIGHT NEXT TO PIER….ALL OC/SKI/SUP the FINISH IS BETWEEN MOLOKAI HOLOKAI FLAG ON PIER AND GREEN BUOY


https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1J1YohmKAR3F1280mzEQCIP82nuNZiq1g?usp=sharing

Maui to Molokai Finish Approach to Kaunakakai Harbor

When clicking on Google earth it may appear that it is not working but click on the symbol on the right that says open in a new tab. You can also click on the links but it may not open in a new tab

Finish Line Foilers

1

Approach

As you approach Kaunakakai Harbor you will see two red buoys. The finish line will be at the buoy closest to the reef. The finish boat will have a bright green flag.


Cross between the Red BUOY and the boat with the bright Green Flag


2

After Crossing the line

We will be doing another checkin at the harbor so please make sure you check in with our officials- All trackers must be given to our ocean officials

3

Community Support

Let our community cheer you on! Be mindful of the boat ramp and we are not to crowd this area. Be patient and our officials will tell you when to come ashore and you will give your trackers immediately.

Finish Line OC, SKI and SUP

1

Approach

Paddle the Finish Stretch down the pier.

We have a back up Finish if wind is on the lighter side at the end of the pier with a boat

2

Final Push

Finish in DOT area at the pier marked with Molokai Holokai Flag. Your BIB number must be clearly seen or called out.

3

Community Support

Let our community cheer you on!

Finish Line Details for all OC and SUP

1

No Buoys

You do not have to go around any Buoys- Watch for the reef and study the video and google maps. Just come straight down the pier

2

Crossing the Line

Cross the line between the Harbor GREEN BUOY on the leeward side of the channel and the Molokai Holokai Banner at the pier.

If crossing far to the leeward then make sure your number is recorded and come straight to pier. We will have binoculars to look for your number.

3

Finish for all Craft

This finish line applies to all OCʻs and SUPʻs

4

NO BACK UP FINISH LINE-It is what it is……..

Escort Boats

Designated Area

Escort Boats can only be in the yellow and green section on map- Check in with official on Channel 72- Always give right of way to local vessels

Communication

Escort Boats to use channel 72 to check in with race officials on finishing the race.

Safety First

Please be sure all escort boats watch the safety and protocol video

Emergency Channel

Channel 74 is for the safety crew only and for anyone that needs help or cannot finish the race.

Please review the Google Map here

https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1i9_ctMxzTiGl5WtD-8AQ6A25rBt6x-wC?usp=sharing

Escort Boat Information

When clicking on Google earth it may appear that it is not working but click on the symbol on the right that says open in a new tab. You can also click on the links but it may not open in a new tab

Post-Race Information

1

Finishing Procedures

Escort boats to check in with channel 72 and be sure to look at the zone area of where they can be for loading.

2

Equipment Storage

Paddlers staying over - we will be loading up two trailers for canoes and SUPS etc. Be sure to have your straps

3

Transportation

Paddlers needing ride to accommodations - check in with Race Officials in Red Jerseys and Hats and we can take you to your accommodations if you want to clean up before prizegiving.

4

Food and Celebrations

Molokai Community Health Center - First wave of food will start at 3.00pm and second wave at 3.30pm. No alcohol at harbor and we can give you a ride to the Health Center or if you feel like walking it is 5 mins

5

Transport to Harbor

4:15 pm Please check in with officials so we can check off your name

Prizegiving and Shuttles Back to Maui

Prizegiving is at Molokai Community Health Center and food will begin around 3:30pm

Transportation will be available to the Health Center

Boats returning to Maui will be at 4:30-5pm but you may miss some of the prizegiving.

Shuttles to West end and Hotel Molokai and local accommodations will start at around 6pm


KOA KAI PARTICIPANTS

If you are staying in town you will have to pay for shuttles on Race Day

Please go to our sponsors website Molokai Outdoors to book your shuttle for Sunday, race Day