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Questions? clare@youthinmotion.org · (808) 336-0946

Our story

Started on the water. Built by volunteers

Youth in Motion was founded in 1998 by Clare Seeger Albino and Molokai Outdoors, starting with after-school windsurfing and kayaking lessons for Molokaʻi keiki.

Clare — a windsurfing world champion and Molokaʻi High School teacher — has served the island's youth ever since. What began on the water now includes every kind of movement.

Na Kama ʻOnipaʻa — our Hawaiian name, gifted by a respected kupuna of our island.
A keiki steers an outrigger sailing canoe off Molokaʻi
Keiki on stand-up paddleboards in the harbor at sunset

Mission & values

What guides us

To empower, equip, educate, challenge and motivate youth through activities that develop their mental, emotional, creative and physical skills — on the land and in the ocean.

Mālama ʻāina

Caring for the land and sea.

Giving back

Event proceeds return to our community.

Host culture

Hawaiian culture and language at the heart of every event.

Respect

Everyone welcome — from toddlers to elite athletes.

Why we do this

From the shoreline to the channel

Keiki start with short races close to shore and grow toward channel crossings — building health, confidence and leadership along the way. Participation is free for Molokaʻi youth.

Our journey

Nearly three decades in motion

1998

Youth in Motion begins

Windsurfing and kayaking lessons for Molokaʻi keiki.

2003

The first channel crossing

Na ʻOpio Hana Paʻa launches with the first Maui to Molokai Challenge.

2010

Stand up for our people

The Molokai Holokai paddle race runs from Kamalō Wharf to Hotel Molokai.

2024

New programs

Muay Thai and body boarding join the lineup.

2026

706 registrations

Paddlers, runners and families from 17 countries and 16 states.

2027

The Molokai Marathon

Our newest event debuts on October 2.

Our board

All volunteers

No one at Youth in Motion is paid.

CA

Clare Seeger Albino

Founder · Chairman & Event Director

Windsurfing world champion and Molokaʻi High School teacher.

GA

Gordon Albino

Director

Waterman with many OC6 channel crossings and ocean lifeguarding experience on Maui.

KP

Kaela Pereira

Director

Member of the Hoʻolauleʻa safety team.

AM

Alex Mawae

Director

Local athlete who has led skate sessions at the Hoʻolauleʻa.

Life in motion

Moments from the island

Partners

Better together

Sustainable Molokai

Our partner for beach and harbor cleanups.

sustainablemolokai.org

Stand Up Paddle Association of Molokai

Co-host of the Molokai Holokai Hoʻolauleʻa.

Molokai Outdoors

Co-founded Youth in Motion in 1998.

molokaioutdoors.com

Be part of Molokaʻi's next generation

No one here is paid — every gift goes straight back to youth programs.