Kaiwi Solo 2026 Full Results: Miles Orr and Lauren Spalding Win the Legendary Molokaʻi to Oʻahu OC1 Crossing

The 2026 edition of the PA’A Hawai‘i Kaiwi Solo once again delivered an unforgettable showcase of endurance, tactical brilliance, and true ocean mastery as paddlers from across Hawai‘i, Tahiti, the mainland United States, and beyond took on the legendary 32-mile crossing from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu.

In classic Kaiwi fashion, the Kaʻiwi Channel tested every athlete from the very first strokes, with constantly changing swell patterns, side chop, and relentless open-ocean conditions forcing paddlers to balance aggression with patience throughout the crossing. The men’s race quickly developed into an incredibly tight battle at the front of the field, with the leaders staying grouped for much of the channel and constantly exchanging positions while linking runners and taking waves toward Oʻahu. Every glide counted, and the race remained undecided until the very end.

Honolulu’s Miles Orr ultimately claimed a spectacular victory in a time of 3:40:00 after an intense duel across the channel. Tahitian paddler Steeve Teihotaata finished just eight seconds behind in second place, while Hawaiian paddler Ryland Hart completed the podium only four seconds later in third, underlining just how competitive this year’s edition proved to be.

Just outside the podium, Maui’s Triston Kahoʻokele-Santos continued to confirm his status as one of Hawai‘i’s brightest young ocean talents with a strong fourth-place finish, while Tahitian powerhouse Tuteariʻi Hoatua rounded out the top five. French Polynesian champion Kevin Ceran-Jerusalemy, winner of the previous edition, crossed in sixth after another solid performance against one of the deepest fields in recent Kaiwi Solo history.

The women’s race also delivered a high-level battle between some of the sport’s most experienced and respected athletes. Legendary Hawaiian paddler Lauren Spalding was the first woman across the line, finishing 55th overall in 4:22:33 after an exceptional channel crossing. Close behind, Hawaiian waterwoman Beata Markin secured second place in the women’s division, while Kauai-based paddler Kristin Foster completed the podium after another impressive Kaiwi performance.

Throughout the day, the race highlighted the extraordinary depth of international outrigger canoe racing. Tahitian paddlers once again showcased their speed and ocean knowledge, Hawai‘i’s athletes defended home waters with strength, and competitors from Japan, Brazil, Hong Kong, Australia, and the mainland U.S. added to the truly global character of the event.

One of the defining features of the 2026 edition was the intensity of the battle at the front. Unlike races where gaps open early, this year’s leaders remained within striking distance of each other almost all the way across the Kaʻiwi Channel, turning the final approach into a dramatic sprint fueled by ocean reading, timing, and the ability to capitalize on every available bump.

The Kaiwi Solo remains one of the most prestigious and respected solo outrigger canoe races in the world,  a race where physical preparation alone is never enough. Success across the Kaʻiwi Channel demands ocean knowledge, mental resilience, tactical intelligence, and the ability to stay composed when the Pacific Ocean pushes athletes to their limits.

FULL RESULTS