An Expedition into the Fray: Observations on the Lōkahi Flotilla at the Malama Kaio Race of 2025

It was upon the twelfth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, that this correspondent bore witness to a remarkable contest of human endurance and nautical skill: the Malama Kaio Race, an event most fittingly orchestrated by the esteemed Lōkahi Canoe Club themselves upon the azure waters surrounding the isle of Oʻahu, specifically emanating from the locale designated Magic Island. The atmospheric conditions were clement, providing an excellent theatre for the ensuing aquatic endeavors.

The various "crews," as they are termed – veritable specimens of athletic prowess – propelled their outrigger canoes, vessels of a design both ancient and hydrodynamically efficient, across courses of considerable length. The diligence of the Lōkahi institution was not merely in sponsorship but was made manifest by the commendable performance of their own flotilla.

Navigating the 9 miles Long Course: A Study in Sustained Velocity

The Long Course, a significant nautical challenge, saw the Lōkahi navigators distinguish themselves with admirable precision:

• A crew designated Lōkahi (#3), competing within the "Traditional Male 40" classification aboard the canoe "Mauna Lani Kai," achieved a most laudable first position within their division, completing their arduous journey in precisely 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 50 seconds. This feat also secured them the fourth position overall. The complement of this victorious vessel comprised Messrs. Bob Aparicio, John Mackey, Tyler McMahon, Sal Nicosia, Joey Unpingco, and Rufus Willett.
• Furthermore, the Lōkahi contingent (#175), navigating the canoe "Mau'umae" within the highly competitive "Unlimited Male Open" division, recorded a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 48 seconds. This secured them the third rank in their division and the fifth overall position, a testament to their vigorous efforts.

The 6 miles Short Course Arena: Demonstrations of Accelerated Propulsion

The Short Course, though demanding less in absolute duration, required an explosive output of energy, wherein the Lōkahi crews again featured prominently:

• Most notably, within the "Traditional Male Novice" category, a veritable Lōkahi dominion was observed:
  • The canoe "Randy" (#46) was propelled to first place in its division, and an impressive third overall, with a chronometer reading of 31 minutes and 46.73 seconds. The human engine of this craft consisted of Devon Gordon, Jim Kasmer, Noah Kawano, Shamanta Palikhey, Samuel Pang, and Jhon Pelayo.
  • Following closely, the "Mauna Lani Kai" (#3), also representing Lōkahi in the same division, secured second place divisionally and fourth overall in 32 minutes and 16.23 seconds.
• The senior gentlemen of the "Traditional Male 60+" division, aboard "Ho'okela" (#19), demonstrated that experience and refined technique yield remarkable results, achieving first place in their cohort (25th overall ) with a time of 38 minutes and 42.49 seconds. This crew was composed of Lee Buhre, Bob Miller, Ken Montpas, Burt Shimoda, Stephen Teeter, and Stephen Williford.
• The female athletes of Lōkahi also carved their triumphs upon the waves:
  • In the "Unlimited Female Open," the canoe "Mau'umae" (#175) was navigated to a second-place divisional finish (10th overall ) in 33 minutes and 43.06 seconds.
  • The "Traditional Female Novice" crew, aboard "Keauhou" (#29), also achieved a commendable second place within their division, crossing the finish in 38 minutes and 10.19 seconds (23rd overall ).

Thus, the Malama Kaio Race provided a fascinating spectacle of human endeavor against the resistance of the sea. The Lōkahi Canoe Club, both as patrons and participants, exhibited a standard of excellence worthy of scientific note and hearty commendation. One departs from such observations with a renewed appreciation for the mechanics of teamwork and the indomitable spirit of exploration, even upon familiar shores.