About OHCRA
The O'ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating the sport of Hawaiian Koa canoe racing. As a member of the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, OHCRA holds over 30% of their membership with over 3000 paddlers. OHCRA is the largest Canoe Racing Association in the state.
Established in 1979, OHCRA is the proud owner of the Moloka'i Hoe, the men's Moloka'i to O'ahu canoe race considered around the world to be the Olympics of canoe paddling. Celebrating 35 years in 2014, OHCRA continues to be a dominating force in the sport of outrigger canoe paddling. OHCRA is comprised of 20 clubs, 18 active and 2 inactive. Of all the associations in the state, OHCRA hosts the most races each year.
Our principle purposes are to:
- Engage in, promote, encourage participation in and provide education and instruction in Hawaiian culture through canoeing and other related activities on a local, national, and international level.
- Encourage, maintain and perpetuate authentic Hawaiian canoe racing and preservation of Hawaiian Koa canoes; and to teach and preserve the art and culture of Hawaiian canoe racing.
- Promote competitive inter-club, inter-island, and international Hawaiian canoe racing.
Our Mission
- To maintain and perpetuate Hawaiian culture through the promotion of Hawaiian water sports
- To teach, train, instruct and expose children, men, and women in the ancient art, craft and history of Hawaiian canoeing
- To provide means and facilities for activities to foster the development and maintenance of strong and healthy minds, bodies, and spirits among all people
- To provide opportunities for the interaction and communion of people in the interest of mental and social well-being
- To promote international canoe racing competition
OHCRA is the official organizer of the Moloka'i Hoe, a Men's Moloka'i to O'ahu canoe race, which is regarded as the outstanding outrigger canoe event in the world. More than 1,000 canoe paddlers from around the world canoe to compete in the Moloka'i Hoe and test their skills in the Ka'iwi channel. Learn more at www.molokaihoe.com.
*Current 990 available on request