RACE INFORMATION
TWO DAYS. FORTY-TWO MILES. ONE CHAMPION.
THE PAEʻAINA CHALLENGE
July 25–26, 2026 | Waimānalo ➝ Keʻehi Lagoon
For 75 years, OHCRA has built the foundation of competitive paddling on Oʻahu. The Paeʻāina Challenge is the next evolution.
-Two Ironman courses.
-One cumulative clock.
-A format designed to test the depth, discipline, and strategic maturity of Hawaiʻi’s premier crews.
This is not just another race. This is a championship standard.
Race Details and Course
The Paeʻāina Challenge is designed to test the endurance, skill, and teamwork of its participants over 42 miles of open-ocean competition, split into two distinct Ironman courses over two days.
- Stage 1: (15 miles) A challenging course starting from Waimānalo, heading upwind to Kailua, and returning to Waimānalo.
- Stage 2: (27 miles) A long-distance stretch from Waimānalo to Keʻehi Lagoon.
The final standings will be determined by the cumulative times from both stages, rewarding crews that demonstrate consistent performance and strategic racing.
Race Divisions
The event is designed to be both inclusive and highly competitive, welcoming a wide range of paddlers from youth to seasoned masters. The divisions are structured as follows:
Spec Divisions
- Junior Men/Women
- Open Men/Women
- 40's Men/Women
- 50's Men/Women
- 55+ Men/Women
Unlimited Divisions
- Junior Men/Women
- Open Men/Women
Crew Requirements
- Unlimited Divisions: 9 paddlers
- Spec Divisions: 10 paddlers
- Every paddler must compete in at least one stage.
- Official race jerseys required to be worn during the race (provided as part of the entry fee)
- All paddlers must be valid in the HCRA database.
- OHCRA Race Rules apply.
Safety remains OHCRA’s highest priority — as it has been for 75 years.
Entry Fee: $1,200 per crew (includes two days of racing)
Key Dates
- March 1 - Registration Opens ($250 non-refundable deposit required)
- June 1 - Full payment due
- July 1 - Final refund deadline (excluding deposit)
Registration will close once capacity is reached (80 crews)
Register at https://registration.ohcra.com/
LIMITED FIELD
This event is intentionally capped to preserve race integrity, safety, and logistics.
Once divisions reach capacity, registration closes.
No waitlist. No extensions.
If your crew is preparing for Molokaʻi — this is your proving ground.
Race Weekend Schedule
Friday - July 24, 2026 | Waimanalo Beach Park
- 4:30PM Registration & Canoe Rigging
- Crews Check-in by OHCRA Team Kokua
- Jersey, canoe sticker & meal voucher distribution
STAGE 1 - Saturday - July 25, 2026 | Waimanalo Beach Park
- 6:30AM crew banding
- 9:00AM First Start - SPEC Women’s Open, Women’s Junior, Women’s 40, Women’s 50, Women’s 55+
- 9:15AM Second Start - Unlimited Open Women, Unlimited Junior Women
- 9:30AM Third Start - SPEC Men’s Open, Men’s Junior, Men’s 40, Men’s 50, Men’s 55+
- 9:45AM Fourth Start - Unlimited Open Men, Unlimited Junior Men
- 12:00PM *Estimated arrival of first finishers
STAGE 2 - Sunday - July 26, 2026 | Waimanalo Beach Park
- 6:30AM crew banding
- 9:00AM First Start - SPEC Women’s Open, Women’s Junior, Women’s 40, Women’s 50, Women’s 55+
- 9:15AM Second Start - Unlimited Open Women, Unlimited Junior Women
- 9:30AM Third Start - SPEC Men’s Open, Men’s Junior, Men’s 40, Men’s 50, Men’s 55+
- 9:45AM Fourth Start - Unlimited Open Men, Unlimited Junior Men
- 2:00PM Estimated arrival of first finishers
- 3:00PM Awards Celebration at Ke'ehi Lagoon
Championship Awards
Open Men's & Women's Unlimited Divisions
1st Place
- Waived entry fee into the 2026 Molokai Hoe or Na Wahine O Ke Kai
- (9) one-way flights to Molokai on Mokulele Airlines
2nd Place
- Waived entry fee into the 2026 Molokai Hoe or Na Wahine O Ke Kai
- (6) Makana Ali'i team paddles
3rd Place
- Waived entry fee into the 2026 Molokai Hoe or Na Wahine O Ke Kai
Junior Men's & Women's Unlimited Divisions
1st Place
- Waived entry fee into the 2026 Molokai Hoe or Na Wahine O Ke Kai
- $1,000 Cash Prize (awarded to the registered canoe club)
2nd Place
- Waived entry fee into the 2026 Molokai Hoe or Na Wahine O Ke Kai
- $500 Cash Prize (awarded to the registered canoe club)
3rd Place
- Waived entry fee into the 2026 Molokai Hoe or Na Wahine O Ke Kai
- $300 Cash Prize (awarded to the registered canoe club)
*Medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be awarded to the podium finishers in all other divisions
A RACE THAT BUILDS WHAT'S NEXT
A significant aspect of the Paeʻāina Challenge is its commitment to the future of Hawaiian paddling. 100% of all event proceeds will directly support the OHCRA Alakaʻi Program, a youth development initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Hawaiʻi's paddlers.
For 75 years, OHCRA has stewarded the sport. The next 75 begins here!
