Chasing the World from Kaneohe: My 2025 CQ World Wide DX Contest Adventure


Every October, tens of thousands of radio operators around the globe switch on their transceivers for one of the biggest events in amateur radio — the CQ World Wide DX Contest. For one weekend, hams everywhere try to talk to as many other countries (“DX” means long-distance) and zones as possible.

This year, I joined in from Kaneohe, on the island of O‘ahu, using my Icom IC-7300, running 100 watts into a G5RVjr wire antenna strung up between a kukui nut tree and a pool-cleaning pole I found on the side of the road! My station isn’t fancy — just simple gear, a bit of creativity, and a lot of aloha. I log all my contacts on my Mac mini using RUMlogNG, which helps keep track of who I reach and where they are.
The contest runs for 48 hours straight — and during that time, the airwaves are buzzing with voices from every corner of the world. From Japan to Italy, from Brazil to Russia, signals skip across the atmosphere, bouncing off layers of charged particles high above the Earth. It’s like magic — science and nature working together to connect people across oceans and continents.
There’s something special about those moments when a weak signal suddenly becomes clear, and a voice from across the planet says your call sign back to you.
Where in the World Did My Signal Go?
I was able reached operators in 26 different DXCC entities — essentially, 26 countries or territories officially recognized in the ham-radio world. Here’s where my signal landed this year:
🇺🇸 United States (mainland) 🇨🇦 Canada 🇷🇺 Russia 🇮🇹 Italy 🇷🇸 Serbia 🇸🇮 Slovenia 🇭🇷 Croatia 🇧🇬 Bulgaria 🇭🇺 Hungary 🇨🇿 Czech Republic 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇮 Finland 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇱🇻 Latvia 🇪🇪 Estonia 🇵🇹 Portugal (Madeira) 🇬🇷 Greece 🇧🇷 Brazil 🇦🇷 Argentina 🇯🇵 Japan 🇨🇳 China 🇶🇦 Qatar 🇦🇺 Australia 🇳🇨 New Caledonia 🇺🇸 Alaska 🇺🇸 Hawai‘i
        

          

                    

          
        


          

          

            
          

        




Between making contacts, I had to work — so getting on the air was a welcome way to relax and reset. The world come alive through your headphones.
        

          

                    

          
        


          

          

            
          

        


Mahalo to the contest organizers and everyone who made contact with me. If you’re ever visiting Hawai‘i, come by for some radio talk, local food, and maybe a Mai Tai or two. 
Save the dates for next year’s contests 2026: October 24 – 25
Until then — 73 (best regards) from Kaneohe!
    – Michael, KH6ML

Paying It Forward: Inspiring the Next Generation of Culinary and Hospitality Professionals

Sharing Real-World Lessons with Future Hospitality and Culinary Leaders

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Kapi‘olani Community College, invited by Winnie Law, CHE, Hospitality and Tourism Instructor, to speak with an incredible group of Hospitality and Culinary Arts students.

The students were engaged, curious, and full of thoughtful questions about what it takes to succeed in the hospitality and culinary industry. Together, we explored a range of topics — from cost control to leadership and professional growth — all grounded in real-world experience.

Talking About the Business Behind the Kitchen

We discussed how understanding food and labor costs is essential for running a successful operation. I asked the students what methods they’ve already learned or heard about — either through school or work — for managing labor effectively. Their answers showed strong awareness of scheduling, cross-training, and productivity.

I then added some insights from my own experience — practical ways to balance efficiency, morale, and profitability without sacrificing service or quality. We also talked about accountability, and I challenged them to think about what it means when the numbers don’t add up after inventory. I shared examples of how small mistakes — or sometimes deliberate actions — can cause discrepancies, and how important it is to address issues early and build a culture of honesty and ownership.

Percentages, Dollars, and What Really Matters

I emphasized the importance of understanding both percentages and dollars. Percentages tell you how you’re performing, but at the end of the day, it’s the dollars that count — because, as I told them, you can’t deposit percentages in the bank. That line earned a few smiles, but it also made the point clear: knowing your financials is key to sustainability and success.

Professionalism, Growth, and Involvement

We had a great conversation about professionalism, including cell phone use at work, and how small habits reflect bigger attitudes toward responsibility and respect. I encouraged the students to get involved on campus — join clubs, network, and attend industry events to build connections and confidence early.

They asked a powerful question: “How do you move up in a company?” My answer was simple: do your job well every day, and ask for more. Ask to learn more, volunteer to do things that aren’t part of your current job. In school, you pay to learn — but once you enter the workforce, you get paid to keep learning. The people who grow the fastest are the ones who stay curious and take initiative.

I shared examples of how in this industry, growth can happen quickly: a hostess can become a manager in just a few years with hustle and dedication, and a dishwasher can rise to sous chef with focus and drive. Every opportunity is a stepping stone when you approach it with the right mindset.

My Journey and a Grateful Mahalo

I also shared a bit about my own path — how my journey began at Maui Community College, where I received a wonderful educational foundation that shaped my career. Returning to speak with students reminded me how far that strong start can take you.

A heartfelt mahalo to Instructor Winnie Law for the invitation, the warm hospitality, and the beautiful kukui nut lei I was gifted — a meaningful symbol of knowledge and light. It was an honor to connect, share, and hopefully inspire the next generation of Hawai‘i’s hospitality and culinary professionals.

2025 HAWAII QSO PARYT Hawaiʻi Stations – Working the World!

My Experience in the 2025 Hawaiʻi QSO Party
by KH6ML – Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu 

This year I once again participated in the The Hawai`i QSO Party (HQP)  https://www.hawaiiqsoparty.org/ — a contest designed to promote HF operation from our islands and give the rest of the world a chance to work KH6 on the bands. I operated from my home QTH in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, as KH6MLusing 100 watts and a wire antenna — and still had incredible reach across the U.S. and around the world.


📡 The Numbers

  • Total QSOs: 145

  • Operating Modes: SSB and FT8

  • DXCC Entities Worked: 16

  • U.S. States Worked: 18

  • Coolest DX Contact: C21TS (Nauru) – ~2,810 miles

  • Farthest Europe DX: Germany & UK – over 7,200 miles

🌍 Countries Worked

Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Nauru, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom

🇺🇸 U.S. States Worked

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaiʻi, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin

🌟 Highlights from the Airwaves

While contesting is often about the numbers, the real joy came from the stories that unfolded during the weekend.

🧳 I had some great conversations with hams who had lived in or visited Hawaiʻi — many with strong ties:

  • One op was born in Hawaiʻi and moved to the mainland in the 1960s.

  • Several were military veterans who had been stationed in Hawaiʻi — from Pearl Harbor to Kaneohe MCBH.

  • I had a QSO with a ham who's touring the U.S. with a traveling museum exhibit about the history of Aloha shirts — complete with vintage examples and cultural context.

  • Another shared stories of hitchhiking Oʻahu’s North Shore and beachcombing in the 1970s while working seasonal gigs.

These kinds of connections are what really make the HIQP more than just a contest — it’s a shared celebration of Aloha spirit, history, and community.

🤙 Mahalo

Big mahalo to all the ops who found KH6 on the bands. Whether you're chasing DX, collecting states, or just dropping in to say “aloha,” it was a pleasure making the contact.

If you’re in Hawaiʻi, or plan to visit, keep an antenna in your go-bag — you never know who’s listening on the other end.

73 and Aloha,
Michael – KH6ML

Office of the Governor 2025 Proclamation Amateur Radio Month by Hawaii Governor

From: Stacy Holbrook <handymanowl@gmail.com>

2025 June Proclamation Amateur Radio Month by Hawaii Governor. Please share with as many as possible to spread the word about Amateur Radio and the upcoming Field Day and Hurricane Season. 

Aloha Mr. Holbrook,

We are pleased to attach the Proclamation you requested from the Office of the Governor to the Emergency Amateur Radio Club.  All the best for Hawai'i Amateur Radio Month in June.

Mahalo,

Bernie Caalim | Constituent Services

Amateur Radio & International Friendship: Hosting DS1UPG from Korea in Waikiki

Amateur radio has a unique way of bringing people together, no matter where in the world we’re from. This month, I had the pleasure of meeting Hongjun Na (DS1UPG), https://www.qrz.com/db/DS1UPG also known as Brian, who was visiting the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa for three weeks as part of a job tour organized by his school in Korea and the UH Mānoa Office of International Programs.

As a UH Mānoa graduate myself, I felt lucky to spend some time with Brian and hear about his experience on campus. It was great to connect with someone who shares a passion for amateur radio while also having a connection to my alma mater.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Brian is deeply involved in amateur radio. He serves as president of the amateur radio club (DS0KEB) https://www.qrz.com/db/DS0KEB  at his school Eulji University Bio Medical Engineering Seocho, Seoul, South Korea and is also the secretary of the Youth Committee of the Korean Amateur Radio League (DS0YIC). With so much in common, we couldn't pass up the opportunity for an eyeball QSO while he was here in Honolulu!

Brian stopped by Tiki’s Grill & Bar, where we had the chance to chat before heading out in my truck—fully equipped with amateur radio gear. It turns out Brian also holds a U.S. callsign, so I gave him the opportunity to get on the air while he was here.

We started with VHF repeaters, where he made a few contacts, followed by a UHF DMR session. I also showed him my Icom 7300, which I use for HF contacts right from my truck. He was able to experience firsthand how I have my mobile setup configured—one of the best ways to showcase the versatility of amateur radio.

Swapping QSLs & Enjoying the Aloha Spirit

After getting on the air, we headed back to Tiki’s, where I hosted Brian for a cocktail and pupu to complete the experience. Of course, we also exchanged QSL cards and stickers, a tradition that helps strengthen the connections we make over the air and in person.

Meeting Brian was a great reminder of how amateur radio can bridge cultures and create friendships across the globe. Whether through HF, repeaters, or digital modes, our shared passion for radio communication unites us—no matter the distance.

Mahalo, Brian, for the QSO and visit! Hope to catch you on the air again soon—perhaps on HF from Korea!

73!
Michael 
KH6ML

Ginger Chicken Aioli: Behind the Scenes: The Scratch Kitchen at Tiki’s.

Behind the Scenes: The Scratch Kitchen at Tiki’s Grill & Bar

At Tiki’s Grill & Bar, we take pride in crafting every dish from scratch, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the hands of a dedicated kitchen team. One example of our commitment to handmade excellence is our Ginger Chicken Aioli, a flavorful sauce that’s just one of the elements in our special Makana Pupu dish—the gift from our Chef to each table at dinner.

Every morning, our prep crew—the unsung heroes of the kitchen—begin their day by chopping, slicing, and mixing ingredients to create the building blocks of our menu. Scarlett, one of our incredible prep team members, recently prepped a fresh batch of Ginger Chicken Aioli, carefully layering cilantro, ginger, green onions, garlic, and basil before finishing it with a pour of hot oil to unlock its full depth of flavor.

When I asked Scarlett if this was a difficult sauce to make, she smiled and said, "No, but you do have to follow the recipe to ensure that you get everything correct. It does take time to chop the herbs and garlic to the right size." That’s the secret—attention to detail and respect for the process. She was a little shy about being in the photo. 

This isn’t just any sauce—it’s a labor of love. Our prep team produces 500 to 800 portions daily, ensuring that every dish served at Tiki’s carries the same level of care and quality. The Makana Pupu dish, offered as a gesture of hospitality, is a small but powerful representation of our commitment to the Aloha spirit—delivering fresh, handcrafted flavors to every guest who dines with us.

Mahalo to our incredible prep crew—you may not always be in the spotlight, but your dedication makes every meal at Tiki’s a true Ohana Experience.

#TikisGrill #ScratchKitchen #HandmadeWithAloha #makeohanahappen

Breaking the Ice: Hawaii Making Contact with Progress Station in Antarctica Via HF Radio

This morning at 7:30 AM HST, I finally succeeded in making radio contact with Progress Base (RI1ANE) in Antarctica! This moment was a culmination of several previous attempts, all of which had ended in frustration—but not today. With my morning coffee in hand and my trusty setup humming, I was able to reach Igor Taranenko at Progress Station, a Russian research facility situated at the Larsemann Hills Antarctic oasis on the shore of Prydz Bay.  

The Contact
Conditions this morning were not ideal for voice communication, so I used FT8, a digital mode designed for making contacts under weak signal conditions. Using WSJT-X, Igor and I exchanged the following:

  • Call Signs: His (RI1ANE) and mine
  • Grid Square Locations: This gave the approximate areas we were operating from
  • Signal Strengths: I sent -04 and received -17, providing a clear indication of how well each of our signals was propagating.

This allowed both of us to verify not only the success of the contact but also the impressive range of our signals, bridging a distance of 13,595 km (8,447 miles) at a bearing of 297° between my station in Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Progress Station in Antarctica.

My Setup: For those who love the technical details:

  • Radio: Icom IC-7300 HF Transceiver
  • Connection: USB cable connected to a Windows PC running the digital communication program WSJT-X
  • Antenna: G5RV-JR wire antenna
  • Power Output: 100 watts

A Bit About Progress Station
Coordinates: 69°22′51″S, 76°23′25″E
Progress Station (Прогресс in Russian) is a fascinating part of the world. Operated by Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), it is a hub for scientific research in Antarctica. Located in the Larsemann Hills, this Antarctic oasis offers unique conditions for studying Earth's climate, ecosystems, and much more.

The station is perched on the shore of Prydz Bay, surrounded by a landscape of ice, rock, and an incredible history of human perseverance and scientific exploration. Learn more about this amazing research station on its Wikipedia page.

Another DXCC Entity Achieved

This contact also adds a new DXCC entity—Antarctica—to my log, helping me work toward additional endorsements for the DXCC Award. Each country or DX entity represents a unique achievement in the world of amateur radio, and this one is particularly special due to the extreme remoteness and challenging conditions of the location. Currently, I  have 154 confirmed country or DX entities.

The Joy of Radio Communication
This contact underscores why I love ham radio. It’s not just a hobby—it’s an adventure. Every connection is a blend of skill, timing, and a little bit of luck. Reaching Progress Station felt like unlocking a rare achievement, made even sweeter by the fact that it was Igor on the other end, making the connection human and personal.

Reflections Over Coffee

This is one of the busiest times of the year for both me and my wife, and getting up and playing with the radio is always fun! I couldn’t help but savor the moment (and my coffee). Moments like these remind us of the power of technology to shrink our world and connect us to places we might never see in person.

For anyone out there chasing rare DX stations, don’t give up. You never know when the propagation gods might smile upon you and turn a regular morning into an unforgettable one.

73 and happy DXing!
(Translation: Best regards in ham radio lingo)

A Fun Evening with POTA at the Pali Lookout

I wanted to share a fun and fulfilling activity I did after work today! I headed up to the beautiful Pali Lookout to spend an hour participating in POTA (Parks on the Air). For those who aren’t familiar, POTA is a ham radio program that encourages operators to set up and operate from designated parks. The goal is to connect with other operators around the world while showcasing the natural beauty of these locations. It’s a fun way to combine the outdoors with amateur radio!



I parked my truck right in the parking area where the slot is, and the wind was absolutely blasting—classic Pali weather! It added an extra challenge to the setup, but with my trusty Icom IC-7300 radio and a Ham Stick antenna for 20 meters, I managed to get on the air.

In just 47 minutes of operating time, I made 21 contacts on phone mode (voice). The experience was even better as I added some new countries to my DXCC (a ham radio award for confirming contacts with at least 100 different countries).

Here are some stats from my activation:

  • Log Start: 19-Nov-2024, 03:39 UTC
  • Log End: 19-Nov-2024, 04:26 UTC
  • Operating Time: 47 minutes
  • Total QSOs: 21
  • Bands Used: 20 meters
  • DXCC Contacted: 7, including South Africa, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and Hawaii
  • Grid Fields Covered: 11
  • Grid Squares Covered: 15
  • Farthest Contact (ODX): ZS5WTF in South Africa, 11,650 miles away!

In addition to the long-distance (DX) contacts, I also made a few local connections on VHF, chatting with friends here on the island.

POTA is such a rewarding experience—it’s a great way to enjoy Hawaii’s stunning scenery while connecting with other radio operators around the globe. If you’re ever curious about ham radio or want to tag along on one of these activations, let me know.

You can check out the exact location I was at on Google Maps: Pali Lookout Location. https://maps.app.goo.gl/K9jzyByUQu59StBP7

CQ World Wide 2024 HF Contest: A Personal Record KH6ML - 181 contacts with operators in 51 countries and entities

CQ Logo

2024 CQ World Wide DX Contest

CQ World Wide 2024 HF Contest: A Personal Record for KH6ML

This past weekend, I joined thousands of operators for the CQ World Wide High Frequency Contest, the biggest amateur radio competition globally. Over 35,000 participants were on the air, each of us aiming to make as many contacts across as many DXCC entities and CQ Zones as possible. This year, I surpassed my previous record by a significant margin, achieving 181 contacts with operators in 51 countries and entities—all from my home station!


Using my trusty Icom IC-7300 set to 100 watts and a simple G5RV Jr. wire antenna, I took on the challenge, proving that even with a modest setup, you can reach operators around the world. Although I took breaks and kept close to my usual sleep schedule, the weekend was packed with exciting QSOs and new connections.

5W     Samoa                VE     Canada               CT     Portugal
9A     Croatia              VK     Australia            CX     Uruguay
BY     China                VP2M   Montserrat           YJ     Vanuatu
C2     Nauru                W      USA                  YL     Latvia
D4     Cape Verde           XE     Mexico               YU     Serbia
DL     Deutschland          ZF     Cayman Is            EA     Spain
DU     Philippines          ZL     New Zealand          EA8    Canary Islands
E7     Bosnia               EI     Ireland              F      France
FK     New Caledonia        FM     Martinique           G      England
HA     Hungary              HL     South Korea          I      Italy
JA     Japan                KH6    Hawaii               KL7    Alaska
KP4    Puerto Rico          LU     Argentina            LY     Lithuania
LZ     Bulgaria             OE     Austria              OH     Finland
OH0    Aland                OK     Czech Rep.           OZ     Denmark
PA     Netherlands          PJ4    Bonaire              PY     Brazil
S5     Slovenia             SM     Sweden               SV     Greece
UA     Russia EU            UA0    Russia AS            V2     Antigua and Barbuda               

For amateur radio enthusiasts, the CQ WW isn’t just a test of skill; it's a reminder of the unique camaraderie our hobby brings. Even amid the intensity of a contest, the friendships we forge reach far beyond borders and languages. Now, I’ll wait eagerly as the logs come in to see where I rank. Until then, I’m celebrating a personal best and looking forward to next year’s competition!

Future Contest Dates

SSB is always the last full weekend of October.

2025:   October 25 - 26   
2026:   October 24 - 25   
2027:   October 30 - 31   

As an Amateur Radio Operator, KH6ML. I am thrilled to share the news that our governor has officially recognized June 2024 as "AMATEUR RADIO MONTH" in Hawaiʻi.

 It is a testament to the dedication of over 750,000 operators across the United States, including 3,500 in the Pacific Section, who consistently volunteer their time to support service events and emergency preparedness. 

 I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating this recognition and continue supporting Amateur Radio Operators in their mission to keep us connected and informed, especially in times of emergency.

Mahalo Governor Josh Green, for acknowledging our efforts and contributions.