The Molokai Hoe returned after a four-year delay in 2024, a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Maui wildfires. The event's return was meaningful and cathartic to the world's best outrigger canoe paddlers, who compete 40.8 miles across the Ka‘iwi Channel before finishing in Waikīkī.
While some competitors were fulfilled by the chance to paddle in the event after some time away, Healani Canoe Club head coach Kapuni Patcho had to wait another year due to what he called a "mix-up."
"But I still made it a point to come up to Molokai and spend the week up in Molokai and then fly back down to still be a part of the the race, even if I wasn't crossing, because I knew it was still special however you play a part in the race, whether you're competing or working as an official," Patcho recently told Aloha State Daily. "It's that connection that you make."
Patcho competed in each Molokai Hoe from 2006 to 2019. Now 38, Patcho was determined to find his way back in 2025 and will paddle on Sunday.
"I made it a point last year where 100% it didn't matter who I was gonna cross with, I was gonna race it in 2025," said Patcho, whose club is entering four teams in the field across the open, 40 masters and 60 master division.
After beginning his paddling journey at 15, the craft has become a major part of Patcho's life. Originally from Wai‘anae and a Moanalua High School alumnus, Patcho and the majority of his seven siblings became strong paddlers. During the day, Patcho teaches at Radford High School and coaches the paddling team at Pearl City High School.
"It just becomes part of your life," Patcho said of the sport.
Considered by many the pinnacle of paddling, the Molokai Hoe attracts teams from around the world.
"It's a big event, it's a big culture, it's a big race," said Mooria Teva of Team Toatai, a team based in Tahiti. "Hawai‘i is our cousin, so it's always a pleasure to come here and share this mana with them."
After practices in Puna'auia, situated near Tahiti capital Papeete, Teva and Team Toatai made the five-hour flight to Hawai‘i for the week of festivities prior to Sunday's race. Teva, 51, is competing with Toatai's 50 masters crew. He is one of the few English speakers on the team, which converses amongst themselves mostly in French.
"Of course, (winning) is not only the main goal; the more important is that we keep the spirit (of the race). It's an accomplishment, because it takes so time to be prepared for that kind of event, and for the family, a lot of sacrifice. So of course, we would be proud to win the race. But it's not the only goal."
Added Patcho: "Whether it's cultural or competitiveness, it still keeps you grounded into what we do as Polynesian people, and I think in all aspects, whether it's for a cultural aspect or if it was to compete, but every crossing at the finish, it all feels the same, and that's that gratitude and respect that you get for everyone who did that race.
"I think that's the most important thing is whether you're there for being a competitor or you're doing it for another reason."
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Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
