The first person to make a solo crossing in a kayak from Molokai to Oahu was OCC member Dale Adams in 1976. Two years later, Adams started the Kanaka Ikaika Molokai to Oahu Kayak Race and Outrigger members have participated ever since. Eve Anderson was the first woman to paddle a kayak across the Molokai Channel in 1980, finishing 12th. Marshall Rosa, Mark Buck and Bill Mowat were also early channel crossers, with Rosa finishing second in 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1988.
Other members who have entered and finished well are Kala Judd, Mark Sandvold, Tommy Conner, Steve Van Lier Ribbink, Chris Kincaid, Geoff Graf, Tom McTigue, Courtney Seto, James Kincaid, Nalu Kukea, Randy Grune.
Lesline Conner won the women’s division in 1987, 1989 and 1990, was second in 1992, and third in 1993. Kelly Fey won in 1996. David Buck won the 18 & Under Division in 1992 and Nalu Kukea was second overall.
The race starts at La`au Point on Molokai and finishes at Koko Marina in Hawaii Kai, a distance of 32 miles.
Read more about the races in articles below that have appeared in the Outrigger magazine. Results may also be found in For the Record.
1980-12 OCC Paddlers Participate in Kayak Races
1982-11 Molokai to Oahu Kayak Race
1984-11 Marshal Rosa 2nd in Molokai
1986-03 Kayaking Highlights 1985
1986-07 OCC Kayakers Impressive in Molokai Oahu Race
1988-07 Molokai to Oahu Kayak Race
1989-07 Chalupsky Wins Molokai Race Again
1990-07 A Personal View of the Molokai Kayak Race
1990-07 Outrigger Kayakers Challenge Molokai
1991-07 3 Molokai Channel RacesTest 1-man, kayak, sailing canoes
1992-08 1992 Bankoh Kayak Challenge
1993-07 Judd, Graf First Hawaii Finishers in Molokai Kayak Race
1995-05 Molokai Kayak Challenge May 21
1996-07 Bankoh Molokai Kayak Challenge
2010-07 Mark Sandvold 1st Hawaii Finisher in Molokai World Championships