The Pailolo Challenge – Maui to Molokai
Race Date: Saturday, September 14, 2013
Get your crews and canoe’s ready for one of the gnarliest channels in the Hawai’ian islands, and what is being called the worlds funnest canoe race. Why? We take care of the logistics, while you get some great downwind training and experience in the most consistent channel… PAILOLO.
Thanks to our sponsors and supporters we also show you a good time, hotel discounts, big after party, and you don’t need to book a flight back, take the ferry!
Fun aside, we are honored to host this race and follow in the tradition of our ancestors. We hope you also have the opportunity to connect with the essence of the channel, the islands, the ocean and the people. You know, the name of the channel itself holds significance in it’s meaning, to raise and encourage expertise and skill. A perfect testing ground for the Ka’iwi.
We hope to see you here on Maui and we will do all we can to accommodate your needs during your stay and travels.
Five reasons to enter the Pailolo Challenge

1: THE DATE: SATURDAY 1 Week Before Na Wahine and 3 weeks before Molokai Hoe
The date makes the Pailolo Challenge a prime race in gearing up for Na Wahine o Ke Kai and the Moloka’i Hoe. The course offers fantastic training in surf conditions.
2: CANOE CONVENIENCE
This year, entry fee to Na Wahine o Ke Kai does not include canoe shipping to Moloka’i. Why not ship your canoe to Maui, have it hauled (for free!) to Flemings, race it to Moloka’i, and have it hauled (free again!) to Hale O Lono? Now that’s convenience!
3: BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
The Pailolo Challenge is a great value. The $350 entry fee includes a great 26-mile downwind race, free canoe hauling on Maui & Moloka’i, a pre-race pasta dinner by Maui Brewing Company, race shirts for your entire crew and coach, awards & goodies, AND a post-race party with food from the people of Moloka’i and brews from Maui Brewing Company. For iron crews that meet the experience level you can choose to go escort free, which saves in additional support and fuel costs. What a deal!
4: MAUI NO KA ‘OI
Staying on Maui cheap AND luxurious. The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas is offering Pailolo Challenge participants an unbelievable deal on rooms: only $89 per night! Check out their stunning rooms at: StarWoodHotels.com
Contact Hawaiian Canoe Club (please use contact form below) for the promotional code to secure your $89 room today!
5: SUPPORT MOLOKA‘I
The Moloka‘i community benefits from the Pailolo Challenge. The Moloka’i High School Track Team will make money from feeding hungry paddlers at the post-race party. Local businesses benefit from purchases, car rentals, and night stays.
Race Information
The Course
One of windiest channels in the Hawaiian Islands, the Pailolo Channel takes the trades that funnel between Maui and Moloka‘i and transforms them into perfectly spaced bumps that offer rides virtually all the way from the start at D.T. Flemings Beach Park to Kaunakakai Pier, 26 miles away
2012 Race Details
View 2012 Coffees of Hawaii Pailolo Challenge in a larger map |
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Rules and Divisions
CANOES USED RACE RULES DIVISIONSRegistration
Online Registration: Best option to guarantee your entry and lock in a canoe and/or escort. Pre-Registration: Postmark Intent Form & $400/crew Entry Fee by September 7. Make checks payable to Hawaiian Canoe Club P.O. Box 5053 Kahului, HI 96733 On-site Registration: Friday, September 14, 11:30-5pm at Maui Brewing Company Brew Pub at Kahana Gateway Plaza Food and drinks specials available. Due at registration:
- Entry Form
- Final Crew List
- Participant Waivers (one per crew)
- HCRA cards or copy of ID
- Escort Boat Waiver
- Entry fee (if not paid with Intent Form)
- Insurance certificate or Honorary Paddler Forms (for non-HCRA crews)
Forms
Online Forms Hard Copy forms to be turned in a Registration on Fri., Sept 14- Participant Waiver (updated 2012) (one per crew)
- Escort Boat Waiver (one per change crew)
- Download Zip of All PDF files
Committed Crews
- Australia: Noosa Loggerheads, the Mozzies
- O'ahu: New Hope, Kamamalahoe, Waikiki Beach Boys, Hui Nalu
- Moloka'i: Moloka'i Canoe Club, Wa'akapaemua
- Hawai'i Island: Kawaihae, Kai Opua, Puna, Keaukaha, Livestrong
- Kaua'i: Kaiola, Kamanu, Namolokama, Kukui'ula
- Canada: Kits Surf Club, Team Casacadia
- California: Marina del Rey, Lanakila, NAC, Oceanside, Kai Oni/He'e Nalu
- Oregon: Columbia Outrigger
- Maui: Na Kai 'Ewalu, Wailea, Hawaiian
- Others: Wahine Kiakahi, Hong Kong Phoenix, Team Bradley, Team HemoPantie
- MANY OTHERS!!!!!
Iron Crews
Safety: we recommend each iron crew carry a VHF radio packed in a waterproof pouch in the canoe. Luggage: we will transport your luggage to Moloka'i for free. We will only transport water proof bags and paddle bags. One bag per person plus one crew bag (total 7 pieces). Please drop off all luggage at the designated drop off area on the beach by 8:30am on race day. Your luggage can be picked up at the post-race party near the food tent.Accomodations
On Maui Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas Rates currently being negotiated. Check back in May 2013 for details. On Molokai Moloka‘i Vacation Properties- Stay with Molokai Vacation Properties during the Pailolo Challenge race through the Na Wahaine o Ke Kai Race and get 20% off the nightly rate, along with $28/day car rentals through Alamo.
- Contact for Pailolo Challenge packages
- 800-367-2984 Toll Free | 808-553-8334 Direct | 808-553-8332 Fax
- www.molokai-vacation-rental.net
Race Results
Follow us on Twitter @Pailolo and 'Like' us on Facebook @Pailolo Challenge for race updates and live results on race day. 2012 Race Results 2011 Race Results 2010 Race Results 2009 Race ResultsSupport Molokai
Participants can return on Expeditions Saturday leaving Molokai at 6:00p for $30.00.
The reservations # is 808-661-3756.
Paddler's Inn Post Race Celebrations starts at 5:00p til 11:30p. There will be entertainment and food specials, be there and support the Molokai small businesses!
We greatly appreciate the sponsors who support the sport of our ancestors and help us do what we love to do, we hope that you will also support them in return by considering their service and products. Mahalo.
If you are interested in sponsoring The Pailolo Challenge, please use the contact form below.

Host Club: Hawaiian Canoe Club
Facebook: fb/pailolo
Twitter: @pailolo
E-mail: contact@pailolo.com
Phone: 808.893.2124
Address: P.O. Box 5053
Kahului, HI 96793