Molokai Hoe Interesting Facts   

Albert E. "Toots" Minvielle came up with the idea for an inter-island outrigger canoe race between Molokai and Oahu in 1939.

Minvielle's "crazy idea" became a reality in 1952 when three teams – Waikiki Surf Club, Hawaiian Surf Club and Kukui o Lanikaula of Molokai- competed in the first race.

The six-man Molokai crew didn't have a canoe, so they borrowed a fishing canoe from Minvielle.  In an ironic twist, they won the inaugural race.  To this date it is the only Molokai Hoe race that a team from Molokai has won.

In 1954 Minvielle created the first all-fiberglass canoe, which is now the most popular racing canoe of the sport.

The Molokai Hoe racecourse changed eight times since 1952.

Faaa Canoe Club of Tahiti was the first team to break the five-hour mark in 1993, winning in 4:55:27.

Lanikai Canoe Club of Oahu, Hawaii set the course record in 1995 with a time of 4:53:03.  They later broke their own record in 2000, winning in 4:50:31.

Outrigger Canoe Club of Oahu, Hawaii won the Molokai Hoe 16 times, the most of any team.  They were victorious in 1956, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1998 and 1999.

Waikiki Surf Club of Oahu, Hawaii has won the second largest number of Molokai Hoe races with 12.  They won in 1953, 1955, 1958, 1959, 1969, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1969, 1972 and 1973.

2005's reigning Moloka'i Hoe champion was the men of Lanikai Canoe Club.

SHELL VAÁ OF TAHITI took leadership from Lanikai Canoe Club in last years 2006 championship race.

The men of SHELL VAÁ OF TAHITI will be defending their title in 2007 as Moloka'i Hoe Champions.