Canoe & Escort FAQ

Canoe FAQ

We are an out-of-state crew, how do we secure a canoe?

Specify that you need help on your registration form. We will do as best as we can to help you secure a canoe rental. The chances of getting a Bradley Lightning or Unlimited canoe are slim. We suggest you contact crews going to Na Wahine or Molokaʻi Hoe who are NOT doing the Pailolo Challenge. They need their canoe on Molokaʻi. Your crew pays for shipping to Maui and you paddle it to Molokaʻi. Although we will provide assistance to secure canoes, the race committee is NOT responsible for securing canoes.

We are shipping our canoe to Maui, how do we get it to the race start?

We will take care of that for you! Please be sure to arrange and pay for this service in your registration. Canoes being shipping to Maui must arrive no later than September 10, 2025. HCC will coordinate pick up and transport canoes from Young Brothers to Hawaiian Canoe Club property at Hoaloha Park, then from Hoaloha Park to DT Fleming Beach. All canoes will arrive to DT Fleming by Friday, September 12, 2025.

Ship canoes to Kaʻili Moikeha. All shipping must be pre-paid. We are not able to pick up canoes that are not paid for. When your canoe arrives on Maui, Young Brothers will call us and we will pick up and store your canoe at Hawaiian Canoe Club’s property at Kahului Harbor until race week. All shipped canoes will be towed to the start of the race (D.T. Fleming Beach) by Friday, September 12, 2025.

Who do we ship our canoe to?

Kaʻili Moikeha, Hawaiian Canoe Club

Please abide by the following instructions:

  • Your bill of lading (BOL) must identify your canoe name and crew team name

  • You must pre-pay for shipping. We are unable to pick up canoes that are shipped COD (collect-on-delivery).

  • Please ship on carpet. All canoes shipped on tires will be charged a $50 disposal fee.

When does our canoe need to arrive to Maui if we are shipping it?

Your canoe needs to arrive on Maui no later than September 10, 2025 so that we can coordinate a pick up from Young Brothers to make it on time for race day. Please note if your canoe arrives after this day we are not able to get it transported to the race start for you.

We will be doing Na Wahine O Ke Kai or Molokaʻi Hoe, how will our canoe get to those races?

At the time of registration please specify your post-race canoe destination on your form. We will give you a sticker to put on the canoe, NW for canoes going to Na Wahine, or MH for canoes going to Molokaʻi Hoe. At the race finish there will be designated areas for both races, just make sure to follow the signs and palce your canoe in the correct area. From Kaunakakai, your canoe will be towed prior to the following races.

How does our canoe get home after Pailolo if it is not getting used for Na Wahine O Ke Kai or Molokaʻi Hoe?

At the time of registration please specify where your canoe needs to be shipped after the race, and we will ship it back to you COD. A bill of lading (BOL) will be required at registration check-in.

Escort FAQ

What information is needed for escort boats?

All escort boats must complete the HCRA Escort Boat Registration or show proof of $1M GL coverage. You will need the following information: Escort boat name, HA #, Captain name, and HCRA Escort Registration Confirmation.

Can you help us find an escort for the race?

Unfortunately, we no longer offer assistance with finding escort boats and drivers. We recommend asking around and getting an escort boat and captain secured early.

Do iron crews need escort boats?

Yes, all crews racing in the Pailolo Challenge need an escort boat as outlined in the Safety Management Policy.