PŌHAKU X PENA CHALLENGE 2026

PŌHAKU X PENA Challenge

November 28 | Lanikai, Oʻahu

A Challenge with Purpose

The PŌHAKU X PENA Challenge honors Hopena “Pena” Pokipala and Seth “Pōhaku” Stone—two 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 disciplines—run, swim, and paddle—from 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 PŌHAKU 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 you’re able, please consider giving when you register—we’re grateful for your kōkua.

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 Pokipala’s 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 Hopena’s 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 Hopena’s 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 pohakuxpenachallenge for more about the PŌHAKU X PENA Challenge.