The 2025 Kaiwi Solo Crossing / Molokai 2 Oahu once again delivered a spectacular showcase of grit, skill, and ocean mastery as paddlers from across the Pacific battled the legendary 32-mile Ka’iwi Channel between Molokaʻi and Oʻahu. In testing conditions, the world’s best outrigger canoe paddlers pushed their limits, with French Polynesian champion Kevin Ceran-Jerusalemy taking a commanding win in the men’s division and Kauai-based waterwoman Kristin Foster claiming top honors among the women. Kevin was joined on the podium by Tahitian powerhouse Tuteariimaroura Hoatua in 2nd, and Hawaiian rising star Triston Kaho’okele-Santos in 3rd— while legendary Hawaiian paddler Lauren Spalding and va’a World Champion Iloha Eychenne from the French Polynesian island of Huahine – like Kevin – and a proud ambassador and patron of our very own TotalPaddler, completed the podium in the women’s. The race featured a thrilling mix of seasoned legends and rising stars, highlighting the depth of talent in the sport. With strong representation from Tahiti, Hawaii, the mainland U.S., and beyond, the 2025 edition lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest and most prestigious solo outrigger events in the world. If you missed the action, you can rewatch the full livestream by Ocean Paddler TV of the race produced by Ocean Paddler TV embedded below and relive every stroke across the mighty Ka’iwi Channel.
Photos: Hayden Ramler
MEN’S RESULTS:
1. Kevin Ceran-Jerusalemy
2. Tuteariimaroura Hoatua
3. Triston Kaho’okele-Santos
4. Kyle Taraufau
5. Travis Grant
6. Manutea Millon
7. Steeve Teihotaata
8. Miles Orr
9. Ryland Hart
10. Kainalu Balanga
9th June 2026
The 38th edition of Te Aito, the oldest race on the Tahitian Va’a Federation calendar, took place on June 5 and 6 in Taaone, Pirae, bringing together more than 1000 paddlers across all age groups, from young beginners to elite and veteran competitors. Throughout the weekend, Tahiti’s best paddlers battled for victory in one of […]
28th May 2026
Taho’e 2026 took place in particularly challenging conditions, with intense heat and very little wind, making surf almost nonexistent. It became a true test of endurance, race management, and strategy. Women’s Results 🥇 Iloha Eychenne: 1h15🥈 Sommer Nateahi: 1h19🥉 Marguerite Temaiana: 1h21 The women delivered impressive performances despite the difficult conditions, once again highlighting the […]
11th May 2026
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 […]
3rd April 2026
The world of outrigger canoeing and ocean paddling is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures. Kai Bartlett, a champion paddler, craftsman, mentor, and lifelong ocean lover, has passed away at the age of 50. His death has profoundly affected the global paddling community, with friends, competitors, and fans sharing an outpouring […]
27th February 2026
Born in Budapest, Hungary, far from the world’s great ocean channels, Beata Markin began her paddling journey in sprint kayaking at just ten years old. What started on flatwater evolved into a career defined by open-ocean racing, resilience, and constant progression. Now based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, she competes at a high level across multiple disciplines […]
13th October 2025
Tahiti’s Team OPT joined the elite list of Molokai Hoe champions on Sunday, conquering the 40.8-mile Ka‘iwi Channel from Moloka‘i to Waikīkī in 4 hours, 42 minutes, and 2 seconds. The first-time winners ended fellow Tahitian powerhouse Shell Va‘a’s three-year reign, with the defending champions finishing second in 4:44:57. “It’s the first win for OPT […]
8th October 2025
Le Fort Boyard Challenge 2025 aura marqué les esprits : deux jours de glisse, de vent et d’émotions, ponctués par un record de participation historique avec 650 inscrits. Répartis entre épreuves de vent (windsurf, windfoil, wingfoil), stand up paddle et pirogues polynésiennes, les participants ont profité d’un week-end aux conditions aussi engagées que spectaculaires. Avec […]
30th September 2025
Ihilani Va‘a secured a landmark victory at the 41st edition of the Na Wahine O Ke Kai, presented by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, becoming the first crew from Tahiti to win the prestigious women’s V6 championship. The Tahitian squad completed the 41-mile Kaiwi Channel crossing from Molokai to Waikiki in 5 hours, 51 minutes and […]
9th June 2025
Le Te Aito 2025 s’est déroulé les 6 et 7 juin sur les eaux grandioses d’Aorai Tinihau, à Pirae (Tahiti), qui ont vibré au rythme des rameurs et rameuses venus de tout le fenua et de l’international. Véritable institution du calendrier sportif local, cette épreuve a une nouvelle fois honoré la tradition, la performance et […]
