The fight against Molokai challenges the host Na Wahine O Ke Kai

HONOLULU (KHON2) – The legendary Na Wahine O Ke Kai canoe race begins this weekend and is a huge undertaking. The planning begins months in advance, proving that it truly takes a village to make this happen. The limited resources on Molokai make it even more challenging.

Get Hawaii’s latest morning news stories delivered to your inbox and sign up for News 2 You

Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe are the premier paddling events in the world, but hosting them on the island of Molokai is no easy task.

Paddles Up: A Lesson in Crew and Culture Engagement

Lori Buchanan and her husband Moku have worked behind the scenes for more than 40 years, helping with logistics and being an integral piece of the puzzle.

“Whatever they need to accomplish this on Molokai, we try to support them,” Molokai resident Buchanan said. “From trying to figure out how to move 2,000 people back and forth on a single lane dirt road in two hours, to trash. What about porta potties after the event? What is the condition of the road? Are there trees hanging over it that need to be cut down? How are the boats in the harbor? Do you need help?”

The list goes on and on.

Moku added: “There are a lot of moving parts and Molokai is always a challenge because we’re not really equipped to handle large groups.”

No matter the obstacle, the Buchanans and dozens of others who coordinated and worked before, during and after the races always got it done.

One of the biggest problems this year was the condition of the unpaved road to the port.

Participants meet days before Na Wahine O Ke Kai

The road to Hale O Lono is the only way to get all the canoes to the race start point. There is still a lot of work to be done before that can happen.

“It’s in the worst condition we’ve ever seen,” Lori said. “Transportation is an issue on Molokai. Many will have to transfer to 55-seat buses and minibuses, and these buses must be able to travel safely down the dirt road and back again. So that’s not possible at the moment.”

The four-year break in racing and heavy rain contributed to the damage. Despite all the challenges, Moku said they are proud to be a part of it.

“So it’s nice that we can continue to support that and continue that legacy. It’s a cultural thing, we all paddled when we were little too. We all paddled from a young age until we became adults. I just try to keep it going and I think my kids will continue what I do even after I die,” Moku said.

KHON2 will stream both Nā Wahine o Ke Kai and Molokai Hoe on KHON2.com and broadcast on KHII.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Find the latest news, weather, sports and streaming videos on KHON2.