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!