Kamalii Challenge

This annual fishing tournament focuses on providing children and youth the opportunity to experience fishing in a fun, family-friendly environment-competition at the Port Allen Harbor, Kauai. The entire harbor and even mouth of the Hanapepe River entering the ocean are the locations for this event. Free fishing poles and a souvenir tee shirt are provided to each of the children participating with the help and guidance of their parents or guardian. In 2025, about 400 – 500 free bamboo fishing poles will be provided. Registration is required at Instragram@kamalii_challenge.  During the tournament, children have at least a minimum of two hours to fish. Afterwards, they record their fish catch at the check-in station. The competition consists of several categories that include 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.  Throughout the day after the tournament, various activities will take place including creating a free souvenir tee shirt hand-made by each child/youth using the traditional Japanese artform known as Gyotaku which has a fish that is hand-painted and pressed on a tee shirt to dry for about an hour.  Free food and beverages, informational booths and other experiences for the children/youth and families will take place throughout the day.  Open with tournament in the morning followed by lunch and judging until about 3:00 p.m.