Kihei, Maui, Hawaii — Maui is set to launch the first event of the 2026 Regional Qualifier Series, with the Makena Landing Kayak Fishing Tournament taking place November 22–23, 2025, hosted by Choke Fishing Supply.

Tournament Director Tai Over announced that this year marks the 19th annual event, continuing a long-standing tradition that began as a humble community gathering and has grown into one of the most prestigious kayak fishing competitions in the US. Now serving as a second-year regional qualifier for USAngling, the tournament attracts top kayak anglers from across Hawaii.

The top 10 male anglers and the top female angler from the Maui Regional will advance to the 2026 National Championship, earning a chance to qualify for the 2027 USA Team.

“To see how far Tai Over and the Maui kayak community have brought this event has been truly amazing,” said Corey Apo, Maui resident, Team USA Alumni, and Pan American Team Gold Medalist.

Maui’s waters are world-renowned for big-game fishing, offering opportunities to battle species such as wahoo, mahi, tuna, sailfish, and billfish. The two-day tournament will challenge competitors across both inshore and offshore divisions. This year introduces a new Veterans and First Responders Division, joining the existing Keiki (children’s) Division, expanding the event’s community reach. The Veterans and First Responders Division is a collaboration with The Veterans Kayak Clash and Tournament Director Boo Baldovi, who will be hosting that division.

Beyond the competition, the event celebrates local culture with lei making, Gyotaku fish printing, a traditional Hawaiian pig roast, live music, and fire dancing, ensuring that everyone leaves feeling like a winner.

“The Makena Landing Kayak Fishing Tournament is the biggest kayak fishing event in the Pacific,” said Wesley Calvan, Team USA Alumni, Maui resident, and past event champion. “USAngling has given me opportunities and taken me to places I never thought possible. I look forward to another chance to compete with Hawaii’s deep pool of talent.”

The 2026 Regional Qualifier Series will feature seven qualifiers across the USA, with the top 10 anglers from each event earning invitations to the National Championship. There, competitors will join Team USA Alumni and select Wild Cards for a chance to represent the United States internationally — with the top 8 advancing to the 2027 Pan American Championships, and the top 4 earning spots on the 2027 World Championship Team.

“We are very proud to continue working with Regional Tournament Director Tai Over to provide Hawaii kayak anglers a path forward to the National Championship — and hopefully onto Team USA,” said David Elgas, Vice President of USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing.