Paddle for Life Marks 16 Years with Landing at Hulopo’e
“Lānaʻi is a healing place,” said Uncle Kimokeo Kapahulehua, founder of the Paddle for Life voyage. “As soon as we get into these waters, we become part of the heaven, the ocean, and the land. The people here take care of it all, and that’s what healing means.” Canoes from Maui made landfall at Hulopoʻe Beach around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, welcomed by Lānaʻi High School’s paddling team who assisted as crews came ashore. The arrival marked the 16th year of the event, which raises funds for the Pacific Cancer Foundation, a Maui County nonprofit supporting residents through transportation, lodging, and patient care.
Executive Director Jenny Worth said more than 380 paddlers joined this year’s crossing from Maui to Lānaʻi. “We serve over 480 patients right now. That’s more than half of the cancer patients in Maui County,” said Worth. “We provide rides for treatment, lodging, nutrition guidance, and support groups. No one should face cancer alone.”
The foundation’s services reach patients on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi, with some traveling off-island for care. “As of this morning, we’ve raised about $338,000,” Worth said. “This support helps us provide flights, housing, and transportation for families during treatment.”
For Worth, the mission is personal. “About three months after I started [as Executive Director for the Pacific Cancer Foundation], I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “When I began chemotherapy, I used one of the same blankets we give to patients. It reminded me what our work means.”
Uncle Kimeokeo said the voyage began with survivors wanting to learn Hawaiian outrigger paddling. “At first, it was about our families,” he said. “For me, it was for my mom, my dad, my uncle. Over time, it grew into something larger—something that heals.”
Each year’s crossing includes survivors, caregivers, and families. “Some had to leave their families behind today to be here,” Uncle Kimeokeo said. “But the ones they care for tell them, ‘Go for me.’ That’s what this is about—healing, remembrance, and gratitude.”
He thanked Pūlama Lānaʻi for allowing the landing to continue and the Lānaʻi community for its welcome. “We’re not here to take. We came here to share,” Uncle Kimokeo said. “Every paddler brought gifts. We took 200 pounds of poi to the kūpuna and 500 kalo plants to share. This place is special—it’s healing.”
