When grit meets the blue horizon—Kamaka Air soars beyond freight, championing Hawaii’s toughest solo FOIL paddle challenge on July 20.
HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I – Kamaka Air, Hawai‘i’s leading inter-island freight and charter carrier, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 2025 Moloka‘i‑2‑O‘ahu (M2O) Foil World Championship, set to take place on Sunday, July 20.
This grueling, solo-only challenge—part of the iconic Moloka‘i‑2‑O‘ahu (M2O) Race, and the Koa Kai World Championships, widely recognized as the world’s most challenging paddleboard race—will cover more than 40 miles of open ocean, testing the limits of endurance, skill, and ocean navigation
The 2025 FOIL race features a new downwind course beginning at Kepuhi Beach on the west end of Moloka‘i and finishing at Kaimana Beach on O‘ahu, just outside the iconic Waikīkī windsock. The competition is open exclusively to solo athletes and includes two divisions: Stand-Up Paddleboard Foil (SUP FOIL) and Wing Foil.
“The Moloka‘i Channel is more than a racecourse—it’s sacred ocean,” said George Kaʻanana, President of Kamaka Air. “To support this legendary crossing is to honor the perseverance, tradition, and aloha spirit that define Hawai‘i’s paddling community. Kamaka Air exists to connect our islands, and this race embodies that mission. We’re humbled to be part of something so meaningful.”
Strict safety measures are in place. All SUP FOIL athletes are required to have escort boats. Wing Foil competitors may request permission to race unescorted but must carry a personal EPIRB, a VHF radio with GPS, and be tethered to their boards. Final safety requirements will be released by June 15.
A wide community of partners and sponsors supports the race. The United States Coast Guard has come on as the title sponsor, emphasizing the event’s spirit of preparedness, excellence, and service. Event coverage will be produced by Salt + Air Studios and streamed live on the Rogue TV app.
“When I saw Kamaka Air in action during the Lahaina wildfires, I knew they had to be part of this race,” said Mike Pritchett, founder of Salt + Air Studios and executive producer of the event. “They flew mission after mission—rescuing animals, delivering precious cargo, and serving our community with relentless aloha. They weren’t just a cargo airline—they were lifelines. Kamaka Air is a critical infrastructure for Hawai‘i, and its presence elevates this race in every way. Partnering with them makes this more than a sporting event—it’s a celebration of who we are as a people.”
About Kamaka Air
Founded in 1993, Kamaka Air is a locally owned and operated air cargo carrier based in Honolulu. The airline offers daily inter-island cargo flights, same-day on-demand charters, and private passenger service. In times of crisis, Kamaka Air has proven to be a lifeline for Hawai‘i, most notably during the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, when they flew 10 emergency evacuation missions and delivered over 65,000 pounds of relief supplies to Maui.
About the Moloka‘i‑2‑O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships (M2O)
Now in its 26th year, the Moloka‘i‑2‑O‘ahu Paddleboard World Championships is one of the most respected and grueling paddle endurance events in the world. Athletes from around the globe descend on Hawai‘i to race across the Ka‘iwi Channel, navigating more than 40 miles of open ocean between Moloka‘i and O‘ahu. The 2025 series will feature the M2O FOIL Race on July 20 and the traditional Prone/SUP Paddle Race on July 27.
Media Contact:
Salt + Air Studios
Mike Prickett
[email protected]
Kamaka Air
Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
Moloka‘i‑2‑O‘ahu Paddleboard Championships
[email protected]
www.molokai2oahu.com