Molokai Holokai Ho'olaule'a 2024
The Molokai Holokai Ho’olaule’a is an event that brings people worldwide and within the community to celebrate and inspire our youth through sporting events, featuring a variety of activities and opportunities to inspire health, wellness, and community development.
by Youth in Motion - Molokai Holokai
Day 1 Events
Maui to Molokai Challenge
Mentorship and networking opportunities to connect young people with world class athletes.
Beach Clean Up
Educational workshop and beach cleanup demonstrating sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Skate Jam Session
Skateboarding demonstrations and clinics to engage local youth.
Maui to Molokai Challenge Day 1
All Paddle and Wind Craft
Sustainable Molokai on Day 1 with their Beach Cleanup and Preparing for the Athletes Arrival
Reaching Molokai
Prize-giving and Skating
Day 2 Events
1
Fun Run
A community-wide fun run to promote health and wellness.
2
Cultural Workshops
Hands-on workshops celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Molokai.
3
Ho'olaulea
A festive celebration with music, dance, local food and traditional Hawaiian entertainment.
The Holo Fun Run Day 2
Preparing for Day 2
Kamalo Downwinder Day 2
Cultural Workshops
- Weaving Demonstrations: Experience the intricate art of traditional Hawaiian weaving, using locally sourced natural materials to create beautiful and functional pieces.
- Hula Lessons: Learn the graceful movements and storytelling of hula, a revered Hawaiian dance form that connects participants to the islands' rich cultural heritage.
- Ukulele Jam Sessions: Pick up the ukulele and join in lively music-making, as skilled local musicians teach the basics and lead group performances of beloved Hawaiian songs.
- Kapa making, lei making , hula , mele & oli, lomi. planting, and poi making.
Cultural Workshops
Keiki and Makua Race
Prize-giving on Day 2
Entertainment all afternoon
Inspiring Opportunities
International Paddlers
Bringing in experienced paddlers to inspire and mentor local youth.
Health & Wellness
Promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness through various activities.
Economic Development
Fostering community partnerships and opportunities for economic growth.
Education
Blending educational components into the event's programming.
Creating Community Partnerships
1
Sustainable Molokai
2
Molokai Homestead Associations
3
Special Olympics
4
Community Groups
5
Molokai Businesses
6
Molokai Schools
7
Non-Profits
8
Teams and Clubs
9
Voluntourism
10
Regenerative tourism
11
Economic Development
Voices from the Community
Kumu Opu'ulani
" The Holokai Moloka'i Ho'olaule'a was an opportunity for the Moloka'i community to unite and renew connections to past and present cultural traditions. An event that supports youth, makua, and Kupuna in engaging in traditional and contemporary activities helps us build ties and community support that identifies and strengthens our sustainability goals."
Youth Paddlers
These boys paddled in 2023 and the Molokai Holokai delivered their first 10 mile long distance race. They had the time of their lives and some of them are debating on paddling the 26 miles for 2024!
Kaʻipu Kahokuloa Youth participant - 13yrs old said - "The keiki race is so adventurous and exciting."
Kamakou Mariano and his Ohana
Kamakou a veteran paddler takes his kids in the keiki and makua race while inspiring other ohana to do the same.
Kamakou: "We do all three events so this is a family event and its one of the best runs from Maui as I get to return home to Molokai"
Kaala English- Cultural expert and volunteer said
"Its impacted and elevated me and the entire community and now we want to learn, people are asking and sense of increased overall involvement - because of last years experience I now have taught more workshops and have built confidence."
Media Clips from the Visiting Paddlers
Molokai Holokai: An Evolving Celebration
1
2003-2006
The event was known as "Na Opio Hana Pa'a" and focused on youth opportunities and sports clinics.
2
2007-2009
Challenges with funding and participation led to changes, including the incorporation of stand-up paddling.
3
2010-2018
The event evolved to include more local youth involvement and the addition of keiki and makua races.
4
2019-2024
The event merged into the Molokai Holokai Ho'olaule'a with a two fold mission:
"Empower, Equip, Educate, Challenge and Motivate Youth through activities that engage and develop their mental, emotional, creative, and physical skills on the land and in the ocean.”
"The Molokai Holokai will embody our inherent Hawaiian cultural values - taking care of the land and sea, giving back to community, honoring host culture/language, and respecting others."
Adapting to Challenges
1
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to go virtual.
2
2021
The event continued in a virtual format, maintaining its commitment to the community.
3
2022 and Beyond
As the world recovers, the Molokai Holokai Event looks to the future, adapting and evolving to best serve the needs of Molokai's youth and become an example of Regenerative Tourism
Get Involved
Date
July 19-20th July 2024
Place
The event takes place on the islands of Maui and Molokai.
Website
