Fall 2011 Tradeshow Announcement...

We're getting ready to hit the road for Surf Expo! Need to secure a time to get the first look at our Fall 2011 collection? Give us a call at 877-265-8524 and we will be happy to set you up.

OluKai Nominated for Two SIMA Image Awards!

OluKai is proud to receive the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association Image Award nominations for "Breakthrough Brand of the Year" as well as "Footwear Product of the Year" for the Kia’i Trainer. OluKai is deeply thankful to our employees, retail partners, and everyone who wears OluKai for supporting our mission to build a unique and better class of products that blend ocean heritage with modern performance.

A final round of voting among SIMA member companies and specialty retailers will determine category winners. SIMA Image Award winners will be announced during the SIMA Image Awards ceremony (February 3, 2011) at the House of Blues Anaheim.

Team Kamakakoa’s Record Breaking 2010 Season

OluKai’s Team Kamakakoa captures the overall title for the 2010 Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association race season. The team dominated this year winning 4 out of 6 races earning them their 13th HSCA season title. Marvin Otsuji celebrated his 22nd year as Master Steersman for Team Kamakakoa.

“Every race presents its own challenges, it keeps things interesting” says Otsuji. This year’s team really came together. The knowledge and skill of the veterans blended with the raw power and endurance of the up-and-coming guys created a true force to be reckoned with.

Race #1: Keokea to Hana to Kahului May 1-2 – 1st Place
Race #2: Maui to Molokai’i June 4-6 – 1st Place
Race #3: Molokai’i to Kualoa July 10 – 1st Place
Race #4: Kualoa to Haleiwa July 11 – 2nd Place
Race #5: Na Holo Kai August 14 - 1st Place
Race #6: Kendall Cup – 2nd Place

There is a lot of momentum around Team Kamakakoa and the growing sport of Sailing Canoe racing. “Athletes and waterman from over Hawaii are proud to be involved in the sport,” says Otsuji. Canoe sailing is a true test of a waterman’s skills and a way to connect with tradition and heritage.

Congratulations to Team Kamakakoa for a fantastic, record breaking season!

Fleet Week Block Party

OluKai partnered with Lombardi Sports in San Francisco to host a Fleet Week roof top block party. Fleet Week is a United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard tradition in which active military ships recently deployed in overseas operations dock in a variety of major cities for one week. The San Francisco Fleet Week attracts over 1 million visitors to the city to watch demonstrations, guided tour of ships and amazing air shows.


Attendees of the OluKai Fleet Week Block Party enjoyed great views of the Fleet Week Air show, historical Williams Photography images, custom sit and fit with OluKai Ambassadors, special preview of our Fall 2010 Closed-Toe product offering and complimentary food and drinks.


Big Mahalo to Lombardi Sports and our Northern California 'Ohana for all of their efforts!!!

39th Annual Queen Lili'uokalani Canoe Race

September 4, 5 & 6, 2010 – Labor Day weekend – paddlers from all over the world gathered for the 39th annual Queen Lili‘uokalani Canoe Races held on the beautiful Kona Coast. OluKai was proud to be a sponsor for the largest long distance canoe race in the world, attracting dozens of canoe halau (clubs) and hundreds of paddlers from Hawaii and beyond. The event features single hull, double hull and individual races along with a torchlight parade, dance and luau awards ceremony.

The Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race was started in 1972 to fulfill a need for a way to train for the grueling Na Wahine O Ke Kai (Women outrigger canoe race) and the Molokai Hoe (Men outrigger canoe race) – the 32 mile long distance canoe races from the island of Molokai to the island of Oahu. The race was named in honor of the last reigning monarch of Hawai`i as the first race fell on Queen Liliuokalani's birthday, September 2.

Saturday Wa’a Kaukahi (single hull canoes) – The women start this event paddling 18 miles from Kailua Bay to Honaunau and the men then bring it back 18 miles. Team Primo led by Kai Bartlett of Maui won the men’s Iron Open 18 mile race in a time of 1:53:56 and the Team Calgary Canada won the women’s Iron Open 18 mile race in a time of 2:10:59. The first day’s events ended with a torch light parade where over 500 people participated.

On Sunday, Wa’a Kaulua (double hull canoes) where the men and the women tie together two single hull canoes to make the double hulls, and the women and the mixed double hulls start, taking the Wa’a (canoes) 3 miles South to Lyman’s, turn there and return to Kailua Bay for a total of six miles. Following the same course are the OC1 and OC2 canoe race, Stand-up Paddleboards and a three Keiki divisions (OC-6 – 6 person crews): 15, 16 and 18 and under race.

Monday was the Ali‘i Challenge (single hull canoes – 12 person crew), an inaugural year for a race heading north of Kona to finish at Kona Village. The 12 person teams were broken into 6 men and 6 women and it was up to each team to decide if the men or women paddled the first 9 mile leg with a “open water change of crews”. Team Lilikini from the Big Island took first place with 2:24.

This years exciting event had an astonishing number of participants with approximately 121 women OC6 team and 123 men OC6 team. Mahalo nui loa to all the participants, friends, families, and volunteers that helped make the 39th annual Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race a success! Olukai is very appreciative to be a part of such a historical race.

To learn more about the Queen Lili'uokalani Canoe Race please visit www.queenliliorace.com

OluKai Supports the 2010 Hawaii State Junior Lifeguard Championships

After two months of rigorous water safety training, over 200 qualifying teens from across the Hawaiian island chain gathered for the annual statewide safety conference and to compete in this year’s Junior Lifeguard Championships held August 14 at Kalapaki Beach, Kauai.

Teams from Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and Oahu came together with high anticipation for the day’s rigorous athletic events designed to showcase the skills they learned from summer training.

The Junior Lifeguard competitors were cheered on by their coaches and mentors from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (HLA), peers, family and friends as they battled in both individual and team disciplines in five events throughout the day, including: a 1,000-meter beach run, beach flags, run-swim-run, paddleboard relay, and a 200-meter swim. Defending Champions Kauai claimed their seventh straight title winning 1st place with 187 points, followed by Oahu-North Shore with 112 points, the Big Island with 61 points, and Maui with 32 points.







OluKai is proud to support the growth of the next generation of elite watermen and waterwomen through our partnership with the HLA and its Junior Lifeguard Program. Through the program thousands of kids across the state increase their self-confidence, physical conditioning and ocean awareness through lessons in water safety, first aid and surf rescue.

Muffi Hanneman, former mayor of Honolulu and current gubernatorial candidate for the State of Hawaii, addressed the lifeguards and fire chiefs and spoke on the importance of the junior lifeguard program. Hanneman also expressed the vital role that Hawaii lifeguards have in keeping locals and visitors safe and lauded the guards as the “ultimate first responders” considering their combined ocean safety knowledge and paramedic training.

OluKai is the official footwear of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, worn by over 450 working guards. Part of the proceeds from every Kia'i sandal and Kia’i Trainer goes directly to the Hawaiian Junior Lifeguard Program. This donation is inspired by OluKai’s ‘Ohana Giveback Program where OluKai contributes its time, money and resources to support cultural and environmental preservation efforts in Hawaii and beyond.

Each year, OluKai outfits all 450 Hawaiian lifeguards in the Kia’i sandal. In 2010, OluKai continued its partnership with the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association by developing the Kia’i Trainer to handle the guards’ rigorous all-island fitness training demands. During the 2010 Junior Lifeguard Championship ceremony, OluKai presented Oahu lifeguard Captain and Director of the HLA, Ralph Goto, and Kauai Captain Kalani Vierra with 450 Kia’i Trainers to outfit every lifeguard in Hawaii as well as an additional $11,500 in monetary support.

To learn about the Hawaii Junior Lifeguard Program please visit www.myjuniorguards.com

Na Holo Kai Sailing Canoe Race: Oahu to Kauai

The 23rd annual Na Holo Kai Sailing Canoe Race was held on August 21st 2010. The sailing series-leader Olukai team continued it dominance by paddling and surfing their way to a near record winning time across the K’ie’iewaho channel in 7 hours and 13 minutes. With no wind off the start, the team of Tyrus Siale, Scott Wagner,Chris Piko, Butch Keahiolalo, Jason Dameron and Marvin Otsuji battled their way to a lead off of Kaiena Point and the team was never challenged again. The race was the first crossing for Tyrus Siale and Chris Piko , 3rd for Scott Wagner but the 23rd crossing for Marvin Otsuji, who has participated in the race every year since its’ inception. Combining the experience of Marvin Otsuji, Butch Keahiolalo and Jason Dameron with the paddling power of Scott, Tyrus and Chris, the team created much too large of an obstacle for the rest of the fleet to overcome.

Photo courtesy of Gloira Reed

The conditions and directions of the ocean and wind held all 6 team members in the canoe for over 4 hours. At about the midway point between the islands, sheet man Butch Keahiolalo was able to make a few sail adjustments and the excitement began. The 6-to 8 foot seas were stacked up to make the rest of the race extremely challenging. At a couple of points in the latter part of the race, both Marvin and Jason were steering blind and trying not to get pulled out of the canoe. Paddles were lost, hoops and ama’s were broken and at times a snorkel would have been the tool of choice. In spite of the paddling over 90 miles and seven hours, each team member is ready to it again.

Photo courtesy of Gloira Reed

The rest of the fleet made up of canoes from Kauai, Maui and Oahu and were 5 to 30 minutes behind the first place Olukai team at the finish. The last race of the season, the Kendall Pacific, will combine 4 and 6 man sailing canoes, one man and 9 man outriggers , standup Boards and surf ski’s. The Olukai team is now positioned to win it’s 13th overall Sailing Championship .

The Williams Photography Showcase

On June 25th, OluKai hosted the Williams Photography Showcase at the SEED People's Market in Costa Mesa. The purpose of the event was to bring people together to celebrate the beauty and history of Hawaii through this stunning photography exhibit. Guests from all over the globe were on hand to celebrate this important collection.

Since 1883, the Williams family has captured the spirit of Hawaii one snapshot at a time, from turn-of-the-century native peoples to legendary mid-century watermen and beyond. As passionate historians work to preserve and revive native Hawaiian culture, images like theirs become an import touch point, inspiring and shaping the futre of the islands. Through he Williams family's generosity, we were able to share them with the public.

SEED People's Market generously opened their doors and provided the perfect setting for the event. Guests enjoyed pupus and cocktails while mingling throughout the store and listening to live music by Taumata "Mata" Grey of NatuSol.

The OluKai team thanks everyone for attending and making it a memorable event!!!

Never a Dull Moment for Team Kamakakoa

Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association race number 3
There's never a dull moment for Team Kamakaoa. The 3rd race in the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association series took place on July 10th and 11th. Team Kamakakoa took the early lead to Laau Point, but had trouble steering the boat due to some rigging problems. The collateral damage: 2 broken hoops, a broken hand pump, a bottle cap stuck in the self bailer, 2 paddles lost and had the rigging slip onto the wrong side of the canoe. Despite the mechanical difficulties, the team managed to keep up until the last 1/4 mile. After taking an aggressive line next to the surf, they got pinned in the current against the rocks. All in all, not the smoothest day of sailing, but the team forged on.

On Sunday, order was restored and a new winning streak began. They established an early lead taking an aggressive line through the surf. Team Kamakakoa hit the wind-line ahead of everyone. Donnie Jones and the Tui Tonga challenged them off Sunset Beach, but the paddlers kicked in and Team Kamakakoa crossed the finish line for the win. Needless to say, after Saturday's challenges, the team was very determined to make a statement!

OluKai is Heading to Outdoor Retailer...

It's that time of year again. We're packing things up and getting ready to hit the road bound for OR! Will we see you there? Need to secure a time to hang out on the lanai? Give us a call at 877-265-8524 and we will get you set up. If we miss you in SLC, stop by and say hi at Surf Expo in September. Mahalo!!!

Jimmy Hickok is Going to Maui!

Congratulations to Jimmy Hickok, winner of OluKai's Passage to Maui promotion, whose winning entry was made at Surf Specialties in Galveston, Texas. "I can't believe it. I've never won anything in my life. I'm so stoked!" Jimmy is sharing the aloha by bringing along guest James Fulbright, owner and founder of Surf Specialties.

The boys will enjoy complementary round-trip air transportation to Kahului, Maui, 3 nights hotel accommodations, island tour provided by OluKai's Hawaii Ambassador, Matthew Murasko, including sightseeing and outdoor activities, and complimentary OluKai Premium Footwear of their choice.

Many entered, but only 1 could win...

Kerry, Kellen, Bert, and Bailey, of OluKai, hold up the winning entry.

The Passage to Maui promotion ran throughout the month of May at over 400 participating OluKai retailers. Customers looking to upgrade to OluKai Premium Footwear were given the chance to enter to win a grand prize trip to the island of Maui, Hawaii. Over 11,000 entries were received, with the winner chosen by random drawing on June 24.

Setting Records, Congratulations Team Kamakakoa!!!!

It was an exciting day for the OluKai sailing canoe team, Team Kamakakoa, as they take both legs of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association Race Series #2. The race began at Kahului Harbor on the north shore of Maui and swept around the West Maui Mountains to finish one mile a head of Waa Tui Tonga at Ka’anaplai Beach on the southwest shore of Maui. Team Kamakakoa raced approximately 40 miles in a record time of 2 hours and 25 minutes.

On Saturday June 5th, Team Kamakakoa along with six other canoes (all members of the HSCA) provided free canoe rides to visitors and locals wanting to experience the excitement of sailing and paddling in a Hawaiian sailing canoe. From 9am to 3pm, the teams gave a record number of 480 people a tour on the 7 canoes.

The weekend culminated on Sunday as OluKai’s Team Kamakakoa broke and set a new course record sailing from Ka’anaplai Beach across the Pailolo Channel to Hale O Lono on the island of Molokai in 3 hours and 20 minutes. This Pailolo Channel is one of the windiest and roughest of the Hawaiian Island channels.

The next HSCA race is July 10 from Hale O Lono, Molokai to Kualoa, Oahu. Stay tuned for a full race recap!

2010 OluKai Ho'olaule'a

A quick video recap of 2010 OluKai Ho'olaule'a, courtesy of our friends at Ocean Paddler TV.

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The 2nd annual OluKai Ho'olaule'a Ocean Festival was held this past weekend on May 15th and 16th 2010, at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, celebrating the ocean lifestyle, island culture, tradition, giving back, and family.

This year’s event nearly doubled in size with approximately 300 paddlers and thousands of spectators, friends, and family members. The race course followed the famous 8-mile Maliko “downwinder” finishing at the Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui. Conditions were ideal with clear skies, 12-knot trade winds and wind-swell helping to propel paddlers down the course.

Sharon Balidoy opened both race days with a beautiful Pule – a traditional Hawaiian blessing. Soon after paddlers set out to the starting line. Both races began around 11, with the top competitors finishing under an hour and the last competitors finishing just under 2 hours. Saturday’s SUP race included additional danger and excitement with several tiger sharks circling competitors throughout the race. Fortunately, the sharks decided not to take a bite out of any of the SUP boards or competitors.

The finale of both courses made for dramatic finish that engaged cheering friends, families, and spectators. The OC1 race featured a 180 degree buoy turn with a 300 yard up-wind paddle to the finish, while the SUP race finished with a strenuous 300 yard beach run.

Livio Menelau, originally from Brazil, but now living in Haiku, Maui, California's Danny Ching, and local favorite Dave Kalama stayed together in front of the pack throughout the SUP race. Ching led for the first half before Menelau found several surge swells to take the lead. He took first place in the men’s Elite SUP race with a time of 0:52:37.3, less than 100 yards ahead of Ching and Kalama.

Danny Ching came back Sunday to win the OC1 Elite race with a shockingly fast time of 0:46:37.9. Andrea Moller defended her 2009 OluKai Ho’olaule’a sweep by winning both the Womens Elite SUP and Elite OC1 races back-to-back. The top 6 finishers in the elite division of both races took home portions of the $15,000 prize purse, with equal prize money for the men’s and women’s division of each racing discipline.

Race Results:
Men’s SUP Elite:
1st Livio Menelau, Maui - 00:52:37.3
2nd Danny Ching , CA - 00:53:24.8
3rd Dave Kalama, Maui - 00:54:23.8

Women’s SUP Elite:
1st Andrea Moller, Maui - 00:57:50.6
2nd Devin Blish, Maui - 01:04:36.5
3rd Rachel Bruntsch, Oahu - 01:05:44.8

Men's OC1 Elite:
1st Danny Ching, CA - 00:46:38.0
2nd Austin, Jimmy, Oahu - 00:46:50.0
3rd Travis Grant, AUS - 00:47:34.0

Women’s OC1 Elite:
1st Moller, Andrea, Maui - 00:53:25.6
2nd Emili Janchevis, Maui - 00:55:11.0
3rd Dane Ward, Maui - 00:55:37.4

Beyond the races, the community enjoyed traditional Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands, sailing canoe rides OluKai’s Team Kamakakoa, and a delicious traditional luau dinner hosted by Lae ‘Ula O Kai canoe club. John Cruz was introduced with a dramatic plumeria drop over the crowd followed by a traditional Hawaiian conch blowing ceremony, and Oli chant by Vene Chun. In between musical sets, Hula Halau Alapa'i I Maluuluolele performed to the delight of the crowd.

John Cruz gave an amazing performance that served as the perfect compliment to the family-friendly ocean lifestyle and island culture.

Through the event, we were able to present over $20,000 in giveback donations to our ‘Ohana Giveback partners: Maui Cultural Lands, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association's Jr. Lifeguard Program, Team Kamakakoa of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association, and hosts Lae ‘Ula O Kai canoe club.

The Inaugural Ed Lindsey award was bestowed upon head Maui lifeguard Archie Kalepa for his ongoing cultural leadership and mentorship. Ross Kaaa, master woodcarver and canoe steersman, was recognized with a custom made ukulele for his commitment to Hawaiian values and countless contributions to OluKai culture over the years.

Mahalo nui loa to all the paddlers, friends, families, and volunteers that helped make the 2nd annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a a special event!
























































Mahalo nui loa to the County of Maui, Lae’Ula O Kai Canoe Club, Maui Cultural Lands, Team Kamakakoa, Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Mary Kielty and her ocean safety crew, Ocean Paddler TV, Vine Chun, John Cruz, and all the paddlers, friends, and families for making this a truly special event.