About This Event
15th Annual Paddle Imua Race & Ohana Festival
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park
The legendary Maliko Downwinder is calling! This world-renowned ocean race brings together paddlers of all kinds—SUP, prone paddle, OC1, OC2, OC6, surf ski, sailing, sup foil, kite foil, wing foil, parawing, kiting, windsurfing, and more—for an exhilarating ride down Maui’s famous coastline. Paddle Imua is also the one of the first events of the 2026 Koa Kai Triple Crown, a series of foiling events on and between the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.
Whether you’re a seasoned water warrior or just love an ocean challenge, this is your chance to test your skills while making waves for Maui’s keiki. Finish strong at Kanaha Beach and celebrate at our Ohana Festival, where you’ll enjoy music, prizes, food, fun, and also meet some of the children whose lives you’re changing!
Join us as we race Mauiʻs famous North Shore to support Camp Imua - a one-week overnight recreational camp experience for children aged 7-14 with special needs, cognitive delays, or developmental disabillities.
REGISTRATION
$110: Registration before July 4
$130: Registration July 4-11
$150: Registration Day-of (subject to availability)
Starting Line - Maliko Gulch:
- Day-of Registration is subject to availability. Event has sold out early over the past two years.
- Each participant must register separately including all OC divisions.
- All wind powered and foil divisions must be able start outside the bay at Maliko Gulch.
- E-foils and other types of electronic propulsion are prohibited, unless required as an accommodation to address a specified special needs or disabilities. Please let us know if you require accommodations.
- We recommend getting dropped off at Maliko Gulch – parking is very limited.
- Each racer will receive a Paddle Imua race shirt (size subject to availability) – please wear bright colors underneath.
Time Schedule:
- 10am-12pm Registration/Check-in
- 12pm Welcome & Pule
- 12:15pm Safety Briefing (Mandatory Attendance)
- 1pm 1st Start: Wing Foil, Kite, Parawing, Windsurf, Sailboat
- 1:05pm 2nd Start: SUP Foil, Prone Foil
- 1:15pm 3rd Start: OC1, OC2, Surf Ski
- 1:20pm 4th Start: Prone Paddle, SUP
- 1:25pm 5th Start: OC6
1st & 2nd Starts will begin outside in the wind line
3rd, 4th, & 5th Starts will begin inside the bay at Maliko Gulch
**Start specifics will be covered in the Safety Briefing**
All divisions and start times are subject to change
Race Course:
- Racing will be off the North Shore of Maui from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park
- The Finish Line will be just past the Kahului Lifeguard Tower (near Laeula O Kai Hale). The Finish Line will be a mat on the sand at the end of the chute. All racers MUST cross the mat on the sand for their time to complete.
Safety Equipment:
While there will be Safety Boats on the racecourse, each participant will be responsible for their individual safety. This is an event in the open ocean, and participation is at one’s own risk. Recommended equipment:
- Leash
- Helmet
- Whistle
- PFD
- VHF/Communication Device
Finish Line - Kanaha Beach Park:
- The Finish Line will be a chute in the sand at Kanaha Beach Park. Board Marshals will be available to receive crafts on the beach or you can carry your gear through the chute. For OC2 & OC6, only one person will wear the timing chip and must cross the finish line timing mat.
- For safety, all wind powered and foil divisions must comply with finish line rules at Kanaha Beach Park where racers must finish downwind of a large buoy before heading to the chute and timing pad.
- As racers cross the finish line, they will be greeted by Camp Imua campers & families who look forward to celebrating each racer.
- Once you have crossed the finish line, please move your gear off the beach to make room for other racers.
Ohana Festival - Kanaha Beach Park:
Family and friends are invited to join us at the Ohana Festival at Kanaha Beach Park at the race finish line. There will be music, sponsor tents, food vendors, relay races, and prizes!
- 1:30pm Ohana Festival Begins / Lunch
- 3:15pm Sponsor/Camp Imua Relay Race
- 4:00pm Winners Announced
- 4:30pm Lucky Draw Giveaway
- 5:00pm Ohana Festival Ends
Parking:
Park only in marked stalls/designated areas and be sure that emergency vehicles have clear access.
Racer Swag Bag:
Each registrant will receive the official *Paddle Imua Racer Jersey, *Paddle Imua Event T-shirt, meal at the Ohana Festival, and other awesome sponsor swag at the event.
* Note: Event t-shirts are ordered on June 1, 2026. After that date, there is no guarantee for a racer jersey or t-shirt of the correct size.
Help Make Paddle Imua Go Viral:
Tag and share photos of your paddle Imua journey - from race preparations and conditioning all the way through your race day - on Facebook and Instagram. In your posts, tag @paddleimua and use the hashtag #paddleimua
The children we are racing for inspire us to do better each and every day – let’s return the favor by sharing this important event with all of our friends, family, and fellow ocean sports enthusiasts. Our children are watching and cheering you on virtually. Let’s make them proud!
KOA KAI TRIPLE CROWN
The Koa Kai Triple Crown, a thrilling challenge for our FOIL community that showcases five classic downwind courses linking the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. To compete for the Koa Kai Triple Crown, participants must race in the same FOIL category for all events. A new weighted points system is in the works that will rank athletes for final awards. The most points over the 5 events at the end wins. For more information and all the details visit the Koa Kai website.
PLEASE CONSIDER AN ADDITIONAL DONATION IN SUPPORT OF CAMP IMUA
Camp Imua has a rich 49-year history on Maui of providing a unique overnight recreational camp experience for children with special needs. For campers, Camp Imua is and always will be FREE for campers to attend; therefore, we rely heavily on the generosity of supporters like you! Camp is constantly evolving to address the needs of our community, always seeking to create a space where peers with all levels of ability are able to build relationships, learn new skills, and have the time of their lives!
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are always needed at Paddle Imua. For volunteer opportunities contact Darris Hurst via email at paddle@discoverimua.com or by phone at (808) 244-7467 ext. 406.
MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER IMPACT—BECOME A SPONSOR!
Want to amplify your support? Our Adventure Sports Sponsorship Packages offer businesses an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a global audience of athletes while making a lasting difference for Maui’s children. From branding on official race gear to VIP activations, there are countless ways to align your company with this iconic event.
Interested? Contact Darris Hurst at dhurst@discoverimua.com to learn more!
MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS
About This Event
15th Annual Paddle Imua Race & Ohana Festival
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park
The legendary Maliko Downwinder is calling! This world-renowned ocean race brings together paddlers of all kinds—SUP, prone paddle, OC1, OC2, OC6, surf ski, sailing, sup foil, kite foil, wing foil, parawing, kiting, windsurfing, and more—for an exhilarating ride down Maui’s famous coastline. Paddle Imua is also the one of the first events of the 2026 Koa Kai Triple Crown, a series of foiling events on and between the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.
Whether you’re a seasoned water warrior or just love an ocean challenge, this is your chance to test your skills while making waves for Maui’s keiki. Finish strong at Kanaha Beach and celebrate at our Ohana Festival, where you’ll enjoy music, prizes, food, fun, and also meet some of the children whose lives you’re changing!
Join us as we race Mauiʻs famous North Shore to support Camp Imua - a one-week overnight recreational camp experience for children aged 7-14 with special needs, cognitive delays, or developmental disabillities.
REGISTRATION
$110: Registration before July 4
$130: Registration July 4-11
$150: Registration Day-of (subject to availability)
Starting Line - Maliko Gulch:
- Day-of Registration is subject to availability. Event has sold out early over the past two years.
- Each participant must register separately including all OC divisions.
- All wind powered and foil divisions must be able start outside the bay at Maliko Gulch.
- E-foils and other types of electronic propulsion are prohibited, unless required as an accommodation to address a specified special needs or disabilities. Please let us know if you require accommodations.
- We recommend getting dropped off at Maliko Gulch – parking is very limited.
- Each racer will receive a Paddle Imua race shirt (size subject to availability) – please wear bright colors underneath.
Time Schedule:
- 10am-12pm Registration/Check-in
- 12pm Welcome & Pule
- 12:15pm Safety Briefing (Mandatory Attendance)
- 1pm 1st Start: Wing Foil, Kite, Parawing, Windsurf, Sailboat
- 1:05pm 2nd Start: SUP Foil, Prone Foil
- 1:15pm 3rd Start: OC1, OC2, Surf Ski
- 1:20pm 4th Start: Prone Paddle, SUP
- 1:25pm 5th Start: OC6
1st & 2nd Starts will begin outside in the wind line
3rd, 4th, & 5th Starts will begin inside the bay at Maliko Gulch
**Start specifics will be covered in the Safety Briefing**
All divisions and start times are subject to change
Race Course:
- Racing will be off the North Shore of Maui from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park
- The Finish Line will be just past the Kahului Lifeguard Tower (near Laeula O Kai Hale). The Finish Line will be a mat on the sand at the end of the chute. All racers MUST cross the mat on the sand for their time to complete.
Safety Equipment:
While there will be Safety Boats on the racecourse, each participant will be responsible for their individual safety. This is an event in the open ocean, and participation is at one’s own risk. Recommended equipment:
- Leash
- Helmet
- Whistle
- PFD
- VHF/Communication Device
Finish Line - Kanaha Beach Park:
- The Finish Line will be a chute in the sand at Kanaha Beach Park. Board Marshals will be available to receive crafts on the beach or you can carry your gear through the chute. For OC2 & OC6, only one person will wear the timing chip and must cross the finish line timing mat.
- For safety, all wind powered and foil divisions must comply with finish line rules at Kanaha Beach Park where racers must finish downwind of a large buoy before heading to the chute and timing pad.
- As racers cross the finish line, they will be greeted by Camp Imua campers & families who look forward to celebrating each racer.
- Once you have crossed the finish line, please move your gear off the beach to make room for other racers.
Ohana Festival - Kanaha Beach Park:
Family and friends are invited to join us at the Ohana Festival at Kanaha Beach Park at the race finish line. There will be music, sponsor tents, food vendors, relay races, and prizes!
- 1:30pm Ohana Festival Begins / Lunch
- 3:15pm Sponsor/Camp Imua Relay Race
- 4:00pm Winners Announced
- 4:30pm Lucky Draw Giveaway
- 5:00pm Ohana Festival Ends
Parking:
Park only in marked stalls/designated areas and be sure that emergency vehicles have clear access.
Racer Swag Bag:
Each registrant will receive the official *Paddle Imua Racer Jersey, *Paddle Imua Event T-shirt, meal at the Ohana Festival, and other awesome sponsor swag at the event.
* Note: Event t-shirts are ordered on June 1, 2026. After that date, there is no guarantee for a racer jersey or t-shirt of the correct size.
Help Make Paddle Imua Go Viral:
Tag and share photos of your paddle Imua journey - from race preparations and conditioning all the way through your race day - on Facebook and Instagram. In your posts, tag @paddleimua and use the hashtag #paddleimua
The children we are racing for inspire us to do better each and every day – let’s return the favor by sharing this important event with all of our friends, family, and fellow ocean sports enthusiasts. Our children are watching and cheering you on virtually. Let’s make them proud!
KOA KAI TRIPLE CROWN
The Koa Kai Triple Crown, a thrilling challenge for our FOIL community that showcases five classic downwind courses linking the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. To compete for the Koa Kai Triple Crown, participants must race in the same FOIL category for all events. A new weighted points system is in the works that will rank athletes for final awards. The most points over the 5 events at the end wins. For more information and all the details visit the Koa Kai website.
PLEASE CONSIDER AN ADDITIONAL DONATION IN SUPPORT OF CAMP IMUA
Camp Imua has a rich 49-year history on Maui of providing a unique overnight recreational camp experience for children with special needs. For campers, Camp Imua is and always will be FREE for campers to attend; therefore, we rely heavily on the generosity of supporters like you! Camp is constantly evolving to address the needs of our community, always seeking to create a space where peers with all levels of ability are able to build relationships, learn new skills, and have the time of their lives!
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are always needed at Paddle Imua. For volunteer opportunities contact Darris Hurst via email at paddle@discoverimua.com or by phone at (808) 244-7467 ext. 406.
MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER IMPACT—BECOME A SPONSOR!
Want to amplify your support? Our Adventure Sports Sponsorship Packages offer businesses an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a global audience of athletes while making a lasting difference for Maui’s children. From branding on official race gear to VIP activations, there are countless ways to align your company with this iconic event.
Interested? Contact Darris Hurst at dhurst@discoverimua.com to learn more!
MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS