Marc Haine’s journey in Duke Kahanamoku sports began five decades ago, marking a legacy of dedication and triumph. From canoe racing to surfing, paddle boarding, canoe surfing competitions, and indoor and beach volleyball, Haine has always been a highly regarded competitor, but like Duke, he always seemed to be having the most fun! Born and raised in Honolulu, Haine became a member of the Outrigger Canoe Club at twelve years old, where he embarked on an athletic odyssey that would help shape the course of his life. While his father, Tom “Daddy” Haine, a 1968 USA Olympic volleyball player, taught him the game of volleyball, Marc developed an affection for virtually all water sports. Over the years, he not only won various canoe surfing and paddle board races in his division but went on to become a six-time Moloka’i Hoe canoe racing world champion. His passion for canoe paddling extended to the OC-1 Moloka’i Relay which he won in 1999 with partner Mark Rigg, besting 2017 Hawai’i Waterman Hall of Fame brothers John and Jim Foti who finished second, and future world champions Kai Bartlett and Karel Tresnak, Jr., who placed third. Marc annually showcased his prowess at the Macfarlane Regatta in Waikiki steering and earning countless victories for the Outrigger Canoe Club. Beyond canoe racing, Marc’s athletic excellence transitioned seamlessly to volleyball, where he won numerous beach volleyball tournaments becoming a national champion and All-American in 1999 in the fiercely competitive Masters division. To honor his accomplishments, in 2002 Marc was elected to the Outrigger Canoe Club’s distinguished Winged “O” society, alongside his late father.
Yet, amidst the glorious athletic accomplishments, Marc’s truest achievement may lay in his unwavering dedication to community service. He is a former board member of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation and the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival, and the past President of the Outrigger Canoe Club. He has been the Race Director for the Na Koa Wounded Warriors for ten years running. He also received the Daniel K. Inouye Community and Leadership Award in 2019. Marc’s innate athleticism can only be matched by the Aloha spirit he shows toward his community and everyone he meets.
