PŌHAKU X PENA CHALLENGE 2026

  • Date Sat 28th November 2026
  • Time 7:00AM HST
  • Location Kailua, Hawaii
  • Price Free
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances 10km

Event summary

Join us for the exhilarating PŌHAKU X PENA CHALLENGE on Saturday, November 28, 2026, in the beautiful setting of Kailua, Honolulu. This unique event pays tribute to the inspiring legacies of Hopena Pena Pokipala and Seth Pohaku, two friends whose strength and aloha continue to uplift their community. Participants can choose from three exciting disciplines: run, swim, and paddle, either as individuals, in a relay, or as a team.

The race begins at the iconic Lanikai Loop, leading you through a scenic run, followed by a refreshing 700-yard swim, and concluding with a paddle that celebrates the spirit of adventure. This challenge not only allows you to push your limits but also encourages camaraderie and community support. With awards for the top finishers and recognition for those who embody the spirit of aloha, the PŌHAKU X PENA CHALLENGE promises to be an unforgettable day filled with fun, fitness, and fellowship. Mark your calendars and get ready to embrace the challenge!

Organiser's Description

POHAKU X PENA CHALLENGE

NOVEMBER 28 | LANIKAI, O'AHU

_A Challenge with Purpose_

The POHAKU X PENA Challenge honors Hopena Pena Pokipala and Seth Pohaku Stonetwo friends whose strength, generosity, and aloha continue to inspire the people around them.

Hopena began dreaming up this race with his brothers as a way to honor his mentor, Seth. His vision was to create a challenge that would test the body, bring people together, and encourage the next generation.

Today, that vision lives on through a run, swim, and paddle that celebrates both men and the way they lived. Whether you race on your own, share the course with a relay, or tackle every leg alongside your team, you are helping carry forward their legacy: show up for one another, give your best, and pay it forward.

CHOOSE YOUR DIVISION

SOLO
Take on all three disciplinesrun, swim, and paddlefrom start to finish. Challenge yourself, find your rhythm, and see what you can accomplish.

RELAY
Share the challenge with teammates, with each person completing one discipline. Each leg contributes to a shared finish, making this a chance to compete together and cheer one another on.

TEAM
Complete the entire course together. Every team member takes on the run, swim, and paddle, supporting one another through each leg and crossing the finish line as a group.

REGISTRATION & DONATIONS

The POHAKU X PENA Challenge is free to enter and made possible by the generosity of our community. We invite every participant to support the day with a donation toward race shirts and participant items. If youre able, please consider giving when you registerwere grateful for your kokua.

PACKET PICKUP
The pickup date, time, and location will be announced once confirmed.

START TIME & PRE-RACE BRIEFING
Race start: TBD
Pre-race briefing: TBD

_Please be at the starting area for the briefing, where we will review the course, transitions, and important race-day instructions._

TIMING
Your timing chip is attached to your race bib. Keep your bib visible from the front and follow the timing instructions provided at the pre-race briefing. Your bib and chip are required to record an official finish time.

THE COURSE: RUN SWIM PADDLE
THE RACE BEGINS AT THE STARTING FLAGS IN HOPENA POKIPALAS DRIVEWAY AND FINISHES AT HIS CANOE.

LEG 1: RUN
Start at the flags and follow a route approximately the length of the Lanikai Loop. At the end of the run, pass back through the starting area, continue down the driveway, and follow the route through Hopenas yard to the beach.

LEG 2: SWIM APPROXIMATELY 700 YARDS
Enter the water and make your way to the designated starting buoy. Follow the marked swim course, returning to the same buoy, then exit the water and head to your watercraft for the paddle.

LEG 3: PADDLE DISTANCE TBD
Launch your watercraft and follow the buoy-marked paddle course. The finish line will be marked at Hopenas canoe.

Final route details and the paddle distance will be shared before race day.

PARKING & RESPECT FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Parking will be available at Lanikai Park. Please use designated parking areas, follow posted restrictions, and keep driveways and access routes clear.

_Help us care for the neighborhood and shoreline by picking up after yourself, disposing of rubbish properly, and leaving the beach and park clean. Please be considerate of our neighbors as you arrive and leave._

RESTROOMS
Restrooms will be available at Lanikai Park.

AFTER THE RACE
Stay to talk story, enjoy a bento, and celebrate everyone who took on the challenge. Bentos will be available, along with raffle prizes generously contributed by our sponsors.

AWARDS
Awards will recognize the top three in each division: Solo, Relay, and Team.

Five additional recognition awards will celebrate participants who make the day meaningful through their effort, encouragement, and aloha. Award categories will be announced before race day.

AWARDS CEREMONY: TBD

LEARN MORE
Visit hopenafoundation.org/pxpchallenge for more about the POHAKU X PENA Challenge.

Races

  • Pōhaku X Pena Challenge - Solo Division

    Incl. PXP CHALLENGE TEE

    Sat 28th November 2026 (7:00AM HST)

    Free

    *THIS DIVISION IS FOR PARTICIPANTS RACING INDIVIDUALLY* Approximately 2.5-mile run 700-yard swim 3.3-mile paddle Distances are preliminary and will be confirmed once the final course and buoy locations are set.
  • Pōhaku X Pena Challenge - Relay Division (Min: 2 Participants, Max: 3)

    Sat 28th November 2026 (7:00AM HST)

    Free

    *THIS DIVISION IS FOR PARTICIPANTS ALTERNATING LEGS OF THE RACE, A SINGLE PARTICIPANT IS ABLE TO COMPLETE 2 OF 3 PORTIONS OF THE RACE * Approximately 2.5-mile run 700-yard swim 3.3-mile paddle Distances are preliminary and will be confirmed once the final course and buoy locations are set.
  • Pōhaku X Pena Challenge - Team Division (Min: 3 Participants, Max: 6)

    Incl. PXP CHALLENGE TEE

    Sat 28th November 2026 (7:05AM HST)

    Free

    *THIS DIVISION IS FOR GROUPS, ALL PARTICIPANTS WITHIN THE GROUP MUST COMPLETE ALL 3 PORTIONS OF THE RACE TOGETHER * Approximately 2.5-mile run 700-yard swim 3.3-mile paddle Distances are preliminary and will be confirmed once the final course and buoy locations are set.

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Location

1040 MOKULUA DRIVE, Kailua, 96734, HI, United States

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