Hawaiian Airlines Holoholo Challenge moves to Kaua‘i; funds raised go to McBryde Garden

Hawaiian Airlines is bringing its Holoholo Challenge virtual race series to Kauaʻi with proceeds benefiting conservation on the Garden Isle as well as wildfire recovery in West Maui.

The 2023 fitness experience will run Nov. 1-30 and raise money for the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s McBryde Garden, a 259-acre conservation and research area in South Kauaʻi that is home to the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian flora. Hawaiian will also match contributions by participants to further support the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund.

“The Holoholo Challenge has been a great way for folks to get outdoors, wherever you live, while also supporting nonprofits protecting all that makes Hawaiʻi special,” said Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, director of community and cultural relations at Hawaiian Airlines. “We invite everyone to join our holoholo (outing) and help us raise funds to support the extraordinary work of these organizations.”

Hawaiian Airlines launched the Holoholo Challenge in 2020 to encourage wellness and connection amid heightened isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The race debuted with two Oʻahu courses and has spanned the state with four walk/run/bike/swim/relay routes on Maui in 2021 and two walk/run/relay routes on Hawaiʻi Island in 2022.

This year’s participants can choose between two Kaua‘i routes: a 50-mile roundtrip run/walk between Hanalei Bay and Wailua, or a 125-mile roundtrip run/walk/relay between Kīlauea Lighthouse and Waimea Canyon. At the end of the 30-day event, participants will receive a commemorative gift box with a sticker, a collectible race medal and one apparel item of their choice, including an athletic t-shirt, hat or hoodie.

“Holoholo has grown beyond anything we could have ever imagined. What began as an idea to foster connection during the pandemic has flourished into a celebration of wellness and aloha, and we mahalo all participants who have joined our Holoholo community over the years,” said Robert Sorensen, vice president of marketing and e-commerce at Hawaiian Airlines.

Since its inception, 27,100 people have participated in the Holoholo Challenge and raised $152,960 for local nonprofits Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, The Maui Farm and Special Olympics Hawaiʻi.

Athletes can engage with the race community on the Holoholo Challenge Facebook Group, challenge or team up with friends, rack up miles while listening to island-inspired Spotify playlists and learn about Kauaʻi via the Holoholo Challenge website.

To learn more and register for the 2023 Holoholo Challenge, visit HoloholoChallenge.com.