We all have a vision, memories, thoughts, dreams, or even just wonder about the race from Molokai to Oahu. This unique perspective gives you more than just details about the race but a different look at why paddlers keep coming back for more grueling punishment as they cross the Kaiwi channel.
A FIRST-PERSON EXPLORATION OF THE LEGENDARY MOLOKAI 2 OAHU RACE
Words by Will Taylor
Photos by Aaron Black-Schmidt
In the center of the Pacific Ocean, in the middle of the Hawaiian islands, a lonely piece of land stands long and low against the deep blue and the wind that skates across it.
Life on Molokai is harsh.
Invasive kiawe trees stand craggily against the wind and survive in the overgrazed grasslands of the island's lower western slope. Wild turkey and axis deer wander across the road in front of vehicles then disappear in the thickets of tall grass that bends in the wind. The earth the plants grow from is a deep red. The island has just over 7,000 residents and most of those have to hustle to make a living.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
