History

Kanaka Ikaika Racing Association (KIRA) is Hawaii’s premier paddling organization dedicated to promote and perpetuate ocean paddle sports in Hawaii since 1976. An organization by paddlers, for paddlers, we encourage a lifelong healthy lifestyle that will support paddle athletes at all levels to foster competition, sportsmanship, and develop confidence. KIRA supports and promotes health and wellness of our community while helping to maintain and perpetuate our island culture and heritage, as well as to help preserve, protect and enhance Hawaii’s coastal environment.

A core purpose of KIRA is:

(1) To improve the lives and promote the personal excellence of the community, including our youth, families and athletes at all levels, through recreational and amateur ocean paddle sports by conducting and supporting sports activities that increase personal capabilities and promote character development and life-enhancing values;

(2) To promote, encourage and give direction to local and national interest in and appreciation for the social, cultural and spiritual aspects of Hawaii and increase the self-esteem and cultural identity of our youth and community through instruction in Hawaiian history, culture and values; and

(3) To preserve, protect and enhance Hawaii’s natural resources by educating Hawaii’s youth and community on the importance of protecting the Island’s coastal environment and developing learning methods that promote and facilitate a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and values as they relate to the environment and its protection.

KIRA organizes a racing series from January through May which includes the Molokai Challenge from Molokai to Oahu. KIRA also organizes the inaugural Moku Manu Hoe Wa’a in August and the second annual Na Wahine Ikaika in October.

KIRA is converting to a 501©3 non-profit organization to pave the future of paddlesports.   Veteran paddler Jim Foti is the Race Director with his wife Joelle as Operations Manager.