The 2025 Molokai Hoe World Championships has witnessed a spectacle of endurance and skill as teams from French Polynesia took the top four spots in the men’s world championship of distance paddling. KHON2 reported that nearly 100 crews set the waters ablaze with competition as they braved the 40-mile stretch from Molokai to Oahu yesterday.
Dominating the race, Team OPT from French Polynesia, a group of young talents in their mid-20s, unexpectedly seized first place, earning them not only bragging rights but also turning heads across the paddling community. Navigating their canoe Hika'alii, they clocked in a time of four hours, 42 minutes and two seconds, according to Spectrum Local News. The second place was clinched by Shell Va'a, the three-time defending champions, just under three minutes later in their canoe "Lightning."
While fallen into the ocean about two hours into the race, Team OPT's determination seemed unfazed. "We just changed the mindset," Temoana Taputu, one of Team OPT's paddlers, told Spectrum Local News. He added, "And we (were) just like, we flip and take back the canoe and we just say 'hey, it's like the finish line. Just push, push, push hard.' And we see that's working for us."
The third place was secured by Popora Te Hoe Mamu of Tahiti in their canoe Ka I'o Ho'omana. Firmly grasping the fourth spot was Rurutu Hoe with their canoe Te Uira Te Paitri O Te Moana, which in their canoe, finished with a commendable time of four hours, 57 minutes, and 44 seconds. Wailea Canoe Club from Maui marked the fifth position as the first Hawaiian team to finish, setting a time of four hours, 58 minutes, and 13 seconds – making them the last canoe to finish under the five-hour mark.
Separate from the main contenders, the junior champions title was taken home by Big Island Jr Vaa from Hawaii Island, showing promise for the future of the sport in local communities. To keep track of the event and crew positions in real time, followers and fans were directed to a live link provided by KHON2.
