The Inaugural OluKai Ho'olaule'a Ocean Festival Celebrates Ocean Lifestyle and Island Culture

The inaugural OluKai Ho'olaule'a Ocean Festival held May 16th and 17th 2009, at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, celebrated the ocean lifestyle and island culture through competition, tradition, 'ohana, and giving back.

The OluKai Ho’olaule’a featured a one-man outrigger canoe (OC1) race and a Stand Up Paddle (SUP) race starting at Maliko Gulch and finishing at the Lae 'Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park. Although racers typically paddle this eight mile downwind course with the support of 20+ knot gusts propelling them from behind, on both days competitors faced calm and glassy conditions that tested their strength and stamina.

OC1 competitors line up for the start

A view of the SUP field from the helicopter


Kai Bartlett and Danny Ching paddle battle

SUP competitors dig in

The finale of both courses made for dramatic finishes that engaged cheering friends, families, and spectators. The OC1 race featured a 180 degree buoy turn to a sprint along the shore, while the SUP race finished with a strenuous 200 yard beach run over rugged coral-filled sand. In a sport that is often supported by the paddlers themselves, OluKai awarded elite competitors with $15,000 in cash prizes split equally between men and women.

Kai Bartlett waves to spectators at the OC1 finish

Mark Raaphorst toughs out the last few yards of the SUP beach run

Andrea Moller asserted her position as the top competitor in the women’s elite divisions, taking the first place title in both the OC1 and SUP races. Moller's winning time of 59:27.3 in the OC1 race was about fifty seconds ahead of second place winner Emili Janchevis. Even more impressive was Moller's winning SUP race time of 1:21:21.5, over 4 minutes ahead of second place winner Theresa Felgate.

Andrea Moller stroking it out for a 1st place OC1 win

Emili Janchevis, 2nd place, cheered on by spectators

Andrea Moller stands tall on her way to a 1st place SUP win

Theresa Felgate, 2nd place, outruns 3rd place finisher Dane Ward

Women's SUP elite and age group winners

The men’s OC1 competition was fierce as Manny Kulukulualani, a Hawaiian native, crossed the finish line at 53:28.9, only 22 seconds ahead of paddler Danny Ching. Stand Up Paddle icon Dave Kalama swiftly captured the top finish time of the course coming in at 1:08:18.4, nearly two minutes ahead of second place finisher Mark Raaphorst.

1st place winner Manny Kulukulualani with a slim lead over 2nd place finisher Danny Ching

Dave Kalama looking fierce as he strides to a 1st place SUP win

Mark Raaphorst propels his F-18 to the front of the pack

Men's SUP elite and age group winners

“At the end of the day, even though we are all out there trying to beat each other into submission, when we get on the beach it’s all handshakes and talking about how fun it was,” said Kalama. “It can be so serious on the water but when you get on the beach there’s a lot of Aloha and there’s a lot of camaraderie.”

Dave Kalama, all smiles after the race

Community members were welcomed into the OluKai ‘Ohana as they participated in authentic Hawaiian activities. Locals and tourists alike experienced the thrill of riding OluKai’s iconic yellow and brown Kamakakoa sailing canoe. Adults and kids enjoyed island heritage and culture with an array of ancient Hawaiian games, hosted by Maui Cultural Lands.

Locals enjoy a thrilling ride on OluKai's iconic Kamakakoa Sailing Canoe

Father and son enjoy the ancient Hawaiian game of Moa Pahe'e (dart sliding)

A player gets a kick out of ancient Hawaiian game Ulu Maika (stone rolling)

Keiki learn the ancient Hawaiian game of Konane (checkers)

Saturday’s festivities were accented with the serenades of talented Hawaiian musician Paula Fuga as she and her band performed to an intimate crowd in the beautiful outdoor setting of Kanaha Beach Park. Her soulful sound powerful voice produced chicken-skin throughout the park, and served as the perfect compliment to the traditional Hawaiian luau dinner presented by the Lae Ula O Kai Canoe Club.

The delicious luau dinner served by Lae 'Ula brought smiles to many faces

A crowd gathers to enjoy the festivities

Sharon Balidoy's Hula Halau Alapa`i I Maluuluolele performs for the crowd

Paula Fuga and her band take the stage

Paula Fuga gives an amazing performance

“The true meaning of Aloha is to love without expectation,” said Ed Lindsey, Project Director for Maui Cultural Lands. OluKai embraced the Aloha spirit by contributing $6,000 to its ‘Ohana Giveback partners: Maui Cultural Lands, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association's Jr. Lifeguard Program, and Team Kamakakoa of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association.

OluKai would like to extend the most sincere ‘Mahalo’ to Maui County Ocean Safety, Lae 'Ula O Kai Canoe Club and the countless volunteers who’s dedication and hard work contributed to the success of the OluKai Ho’olaule’a.

Televised coverage of OluKai Ho’olaule’a will be available on Ocean Paddler TV and NBC Sports. Ocean Paddler TV coverage will begin June 2, 2009 and will be broadcast throughout the month of June in Hawaii and in San Diego County. NBC Sports will cover the event through their ongoing series Jeep World of Adventure Sports. NBC’s nationwide broadcast of the OluKai Ho'olaule'a is on June 6, 2009 at 2 p.m. (PT) / 11 a.m. (HT) / 5 p.m. (ET).

Click Here for Official Race Results

Hawaiian Canoe Sailing Season Kick off!!!

The Hawaiian Canoe sailing canoe association kicked off the start of the 2009 sailing season with the Kahalui to Kaanapali north shore coastal race on May 29th 2009. The conditions were less than ideal but the race was scheduled and the canoes and teams were ready for the challenge. The light winds and reaching out of the Kahalui harbor proved to be one of the defining moments in the entire race. Team OluKai in the distinct yellow and brown Kamakakoa canoe, once again continued where they left off last year and took an early lead.

The light winds proved to be too much for over half the fleet with only 5 canoes completing the course under their own power. Team OluKai lead by Master Steersmen Marvin Otsuji, Noe Auger, Jason Dameron, Scott Wagner, Kai Bartlett and Peter Konohia finished the 37 mile course in 3 hours and 10 minutes. A distance second was a team from the big island.

Once again the 2nd leg of the season, the Kaanapali to Haleolono race was held in light wind conditions. Team OluKai with a new team member Tyson Kubo was tested by Tui Tonga from Kauai. The two teams distanced the pack with in the first 1 hour of the race. At the 30 mile mark the two teams were within shouting distance of each other. At mile 32 team OluKai walked away and was the only team to complete the race without being towed. Conditions were light and proved to be tactical duel. The experience of the OluKai team once again left all the other teams wondering what they have to do to win.

OluKai is Named to Outside Magazine's "Best Places to Work" List

OluKai was named to Outside magazine’s second annual “Best Places to Work” list. OluKai was ranked number 23 out of 30 selected companies in the recent May 2009 issue. “These 30 companies share a common belief: that the secret to success in any economy is empowering employees to live balanced lives and remain committed to their communities and the environment,” said Michael Roberts, Executive Editor of Outside.

“OluKai is proud to be recognized as one of the top places to work. Our vision for the brand has always been to bring a premium product to market that reflects our dedication to our roots in Hawaii and the visceral connection between people and the ocean,” said Bill Worthington, Chief Designer and Co-Founder of OluKai. “We accomplish this goal through our valued ‘Ohana, our family of passionate employees who work together to represent a brand and product that they believe in.”

The OluKai ‘Ohana recognizes that harmony with the ocean is the ultimate lifestyle and continuously integrates the philosophy with the encouragement of personal and professional development. From the everyday visits of family pets roaming the office, weekly ‘board’ meetings in the waves for Surf Wednesdays, to nationwide efforts of OluKai’s giveback programs, employees experience a sense of community. Company beach days are taken quarterly to acknowledge the effectiveness of the working ‘Ohana and to celebrate their contribution to the ongoing growth of the company.

Special events help share the humble ethos of the company with the ocean community. This year OluKai presents its inaugural Ho’olaule’a ocean festival May 16th and 17th at Kanaha Beach in Maui. The event will be the first annual celebration and tribute to the ocean lifestyle through competition, tradition, family and giving back to the community. The event is one of the many ways OluKai and its prized employees continue to propel the brand forward by sharing the ocean lifestyle with the world.

For the complete list of Outside magazine’s “Best Places to Work” and to view OluKai’s profile please visit http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200905/best-companies-intro.html

Special Performance by Paula Fuga at OluKai’s Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival

April 29, 2009, Maui, HI – OluKai Premium Footwear announces Paula Fuga as the featured musical guest at Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival, happening at Kanaha Beach on Maui, May 16th and 17th. The event features a Stand Up Paddle and an OC1 race, with Saturday festivities highlighted by a traditional Hawaiian luau dinner, hula performance, and the cultural graces of Paula’s melodies.

The concert is free and will begin at 4pm on May 16th. It is one of many complimentary activities available throughout the weekend to allow attendees to experience the Hawaiian culture. For complete listing of events please visit http://www.olukai.com/.

Paula is a true Hawaiian who actively devotes her time to the community and expresses her love for the culture through music and lyrics. Critics have praised her talents by presenting her with a Na Hoku Hano Hano Award, Hawaii’s most prestigious music honor.

Paula was one of the first Hawaii-based artists invited to take part in Jack Johnson’s Kokua Festival in 2006. Since then, the Grammy Award winner has collaborated with Paula on Mana Maoli, a fund raising CD to benefit Native Hawaiian Charter Schools. She has also collaborated with the Honolulu Symphony and was the opening musical guest for Three Dog Night. Paula Fuga released her self-produced album, Lilikoi, in May 2006. The tracks are soulful with a jazz appeal and inspired with Hawaiian-infused lyrics.

“OluKai welcomes Paula Fuga to the OluKai ‘Ohana. We are excited to showcase such an influential icon to the Hawaiian culture and share her talents with the paddling community,” says Matthew Murasko, Maui Ambassador for OluKai. “Her ideals and commitment to tradition and culture represent OluKai’s core values presented through Ho’olaule’a.”

Part of proceeds from the event will go to OluKai’s ‘Ohana Giveback Program. For more information about OluKai’s Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival and to sign up for the races please visit www.OluKai.com. For artist information visit www.paulafugamusic.com.

“The SUP for a PUP Street Fair was a Huge Success!”

Held on a sunny Saturday in Newport Beach, California, filled with music, tons of product raffles, fresh food from Wahoo’s, great deals on great gear, and some of the finest four-legged friends eager for adoption, SUP for a PUP proved to be a very successful event that not only raised critical funds for AWFA, but also established new homes for the 20 abandoned dogs that were onsite.

With the goal of raising substantial funding through SUP for a PUP, local surf and sports apparel companies came together to host a super-sized one-day sample sale with a huge selection of Kaenon Polarized, Hinano Clothing, Surftech Surfboards & Stand Up Paddle Boards, Surfline, Stand Up Journal, Pro Bar, Lara Bar and of course OluKai Premium footwear. Each of the participating companies donated a significant portion of their proceeds to AWFA, and with a local raffle the collective reached over $7000.

“Our local beach community really stepped up for the inaugural SUP for a PUP event,” said event creator Chris Wyman of Kaenon Polarized. “From the beginning, our goal with SUP for a PUP was to not only raise awareness of the problem, but to ultimately find new homes for some of these really great dogs. Which is precisely what we accomplished,” said Wyman.

SUP FOR A PUP - THE FACTS:

Even though the event is over, (donations and requests for dogs are still coming in) so far a total of 20 dogs found loving homes and we raised over $7000 from the event through donations and sales from proceeds from the company’s involved, customer donations, raffle tickets and adoptions.