Molokai Junior Paddlers Make History at State Championships

High school boys and girls teams from Molokai excel at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association's Paddling Championships

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The high school paddling teams from Molokai, both boys and girls, made a strong showing at the recent Hawaii High School Athletic Association's Paddling Championships. The boys team qualified for the tournament for the first time ever and dominated the competition, winning their final race by at least two canoe lengths. However, the team was later disqualified for a potential technical violation at the start, a decision that is still being contested. The girls team also had an impressive run, making it to the semifinals. Both teams have had an exceptional season, with the boys becoming the first Molokai junior team to compete in the prestigious Molokai Hoe race and a Molokai girl becoming the first junior wahine to paddle in the Na Wahine o Ke Kai race.

Why it matters

Molokai's paddling teams have historically struggled with recruiting, funding, and support from the athletic department, but this season they were able to field strong teams and make history. Their success highlights the growth of the sport on the island and the positive impact it has on the local youth, providing them with structure, discipline, and a sense of community. The disqualification controversy also raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the state championships' officiating procedures.

The details

At the HHSA championships, the Molokai boys team bettered their best time by seven seconds in the final race, winning by at least two canoe lengths. However, they were later informed they could be disqualified for potentially crossing the starting line before the green flag went up. The coach, Kekama Helm, has filed a formal petition for HHSA to review the race, arguing that the video evidence does not conclusively show the boys started early. The girls team made it to the semifinals, paddling their personal best times.

  • On February 7, the Molokai High School paddling teams competed in the HHSA championships.
  • In October 2025, the Molokai boys team became the first junior team from the island to compete in the 41-mile Molokai Hoe race.
  • On September 28, 2025, Kilinoe Miguel of Molokai became the first junior wahine from the island to paddle in the Na Wahine o Ke Kai race.

The players

Kekama Helm

The head coach of the Molokai High School paddling teams, who has been guiding the kids to their historic achievements this season.

Kilinoe Miguel

A paddler on the Molokai High School girls team who made history by becoming the first junior wahine from Molokai to compete in the Na Wahine o Ke Kai race.

Kaʻehulki Linker Meyer-Moss

A paddler on the Molokai High School boys team who described the team's excitement and disappointment over the potential disqualification.

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What they’re saying

“They spend a lot of time together in and out of the canoe, and it really shows in their paddling. They've grown exponentially in their values and how they act in their community.”

— Kekama Helm, Head Coach (The Molokai Dispatch)

“I crossed the (Kaiwi) channel for the first time, and I feel like that really helped to deepen my sense of love for paddling. I have a lot more like passion and determination for the sport, and I feel like that's what strengthened my relationship with it over this high-school season.”

— Kilinoe Miguel, Paddler (The Molokai Dispatch)

“Everybody was so excited, and then the news came and everybody got distraught. But at the end of it, we stood together, and then we stood as a team, and we accepted it together, and we accepted that even though we put our best out there, sometimes life isn't fair and we just have to keep going forward.”

— Kaʻehulki Linker Meyer-Moss, Paddler (The Molokai Dispatch)

What’s next

The coach, Kekama Helm, has filed a formal petition for HHSA to review the race footage and the decision to disqualify the Molokai boys team. The outcome of the petition is still unknown.

The takeaway

The success of Molokai's paddling teams this season, despite historical challenges, demonstrates the power of community support and the positive impact the sport can have on local youth. Their achievements have inspired the island and raised questions about fairness in high school sports competitions.