OluKai Partners with TEDxMaui

In an effort to support wide-scale, worldwide social innovation while also strengthening regional collaboration in Hawai’i, OluKai has partnered with TEDxMaui, an independently produced version of the globally renowned TED conference devoted to “ideas worth spreading.”

On January 22, 2012, OluKai present’s TEDxMaui, a full-day thought provoking collective of 18 speakers from the islands and beyond. Inline with the mission of OluKai’s Talk Story series, the conference will spark learning and discussion throughout the world. Luminary speakers include Elizabeth Kapu’uwailani Lindsey, Ph.D., the first Polynesian Explorer and female Fellow in the history of National Geographic Society and internationally recognized expert in the emerging field of cultural intelligence; New York Times bestselling author and Editor-in-Chief at O Magazine Susan Casey; Charles Hambleton the Associate Producer of the Oscar-winning documentary “The Cove” based on the mass killing of dolphins; renowned scholar and author Dr. Pualani Kanaka’ole Kanahele who is of pure Hawaiian decent and was raised in the Hula tradition; and Byron Washom, an alternative energy pioneer named one of Fast Company Magazine’s “100 Most Creative Persons in Business;” among other inspiring speakers.

A live webcast of the TEDxMaui event will be accessible through www.olukai.com with opening ceremonies beginning at 9:00am Hawaiian Standard Time.

“OluKai’s presenting support of the inaugural TEDxMaui is a tremendous opportunity to share revolutionary ideas with global TED community within the context of the Hawaiian culture,” said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing for OluKai. “Our support will be enduring as we collaborate with the passionate organizers, speakers and attendees of TEDxMaui to create a global destination for community progression.”

OluKai has a deep commitment to partnering with organizations that are actively pursuing Mauka and Makai initiatives (protecting the land and ocean) including Maui Cultural Lands, The Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and Junior Lifeguard Program, and Team OluKai/Kamakakoa, which is part of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association.


About TEDxMaui

TEDxMaui will bring together the most innovative and inspiring minds. This all-day event will gather innovators who have the courage to dream and change the world with revolutionary ideas.

TEDxMaui will provide an opportunity to broaden understanding and knowledge in order to make Maui one of the most exciting and promising places to live and work. TEDxMaui attendees will hear new ways of thinking, learn about breakthroughs and be motivated by those accelerating innovation and improving the lives of citizens around the world. The goal is to have each person walk away feeling enlightened, motivated and dedicated to making a difference in their lives as well as the lives of others.

About TED | TEDx

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, “ideas worth spreading.” The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.

At TEDx events, a screening of TEDTalks videos -- or a combination of live presenters and TEDTalks videos -- sparks deep conversation and connections. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis. To learn more, visit http://www.ted.com/pages/about_tedx.

Save The Date - 4th Annual OluKai Ho'olaule'a

The 4th annual OluKai Ho'olaule'a will be held May 12-13, 2012. Check back soon for more information.

OluKai Premiers Women’s Fall Collection

In partnership with Foam magazine, OluKai launched their women’s fall collection with a private, rooftop fashion show at Hotel Erwin in Venice, California. OluKai’s first-ever closed toe shoe line for women, includes the Pakele Nui, Pakele, Mele Moc, Holo Lio, O Waho, O Laila, ‘Auana and Kaona.

Over 300 tastemakers attended the event relaxing with appetizers, drinks and DJ with the Venice skyline as the backdrop. OluKai was represented with several product merchandise displays and generous coverage on the runway.

Photos courtesy of Nelson and Jose G. Perez

40th Annual Queen Lili'uokalani Canoe Race

September 3, 4 and 5, 2011 – Labor Day weekend – Paddlers from all over the world gathered for the 40th Annual Queen Lili‘uokalani Canoe Races held on the beautiful Kona Coast hosted by Kai Opua Canoe Club. OluKai was proud to be one of the sponsors for the largest long distance canoe race in the world, attracting over a thousand paddlers from Hawaii and beyond. The event featured 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 race was named in honor of the last reigning monarch of Hawaii as the first race fell on Queen Liliuokalani's birthday, September 2.

Saturday, Wa’a Kaukahi (single hull canoes) – The women start this event by paddling 18 miles from Kailua Bay to Honaunau and then the men bring it back 18 miles. Team Livestrong from the Big Island won the men's Iron Open 18 mile race in a time of 1:52:26 and team Kahili Kai from Ala Wai on Oahu won the women’s Iron Open 18 mile race in a time of 2:12:17.

On Sunday, Wa’a Kaulua (double hull canoes) - The men and women tie together two single hull canoes to make the double hulls, and the women and 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 (OC6 – 6 person crews): 15, 16 and 18 and under race.

Monday was the Ali‘i Challenge and course was moved from the 2010 site of Kona Village because of tsunami damage sustained by the resort. The start and finish of this years Ali’i Challenge was held in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel. The 12 person teams were broken into 6 men and 6 women. Men paddled 8.5 miles from Kailua PIer to Honokohau Harbor and the women paddled 8.5 miles from Honokohau Harbor to Kailua Pier. Team Kakio took first place with a time of 3:29:08.

This years races saw an increase in the number of paddlers with 134 women’s teams compared to 121 in 2010 and 144 men’s teams compared to 123 the previous year. Mahalo nui loa to all the participants, friends, families, and volunteers that helped make the 40th annual Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race a success! OluKai is very appreciative to be a part of such a historical race.

OluKai in 1st Place Heading into the HSCA Final Race!

Congratulations to OluKai's Team Kamakakoa for taking the win in the 24th Na Holo Kai race on August 20th! OluKai is in 1st place going into the final race of the season. Read more at http://ow.ly/69VMZ

OluKai Moloa Hulu A Favorite on Today Show

How cool! Today Show special guest Billy Bush boasted about the OluKai Moloa Hulu during his "Favorite Things" segment. He was especially impressed by the the fold-down heel feature, which is also available on the Moloa and 'Ohana Lace-Up styles.

2011 Hawaii Junior Lifeguard State Championships

The Big Island of Hawaii hosted this year’s Hawaii Junior Lifeguard State Championships on July 29th at Hapuna Beach, HI. Approximately 200 teens ages 13 to 17, competed in rigorous athletic events designed to showcase the skills they learned from summer training.

The competition included a 1,000 meter run, 200 meter swim, 100 meter run-swim-run, beach flags and six person paddleboard relay. The girls and boys competed in two age groups, 13-14 and 15-17. The Junior Lifeguard Program not only teaches teens water safety, first aid and surf rescue but also gives them lifelong skills in exercise, maintaining a healthy body and increases their self-confidence.

The Kauai Junior Lifeguard team defended their state championship by earning their eighth straight title with 149 points, followed by the Big Island with 104 points, Maui with 75 points and Oahu with 48 points. Before the awards ceremony, youth from the Big Island performed hula and dance in the true spirit of Big Island Aloha.

OluKai is the official footwear of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association. Each year OluKai outfits all 450 Hawaiian lifeguards in the Kia’i sandal and the Kia’i Trainer, specially designed to handle the guards’ rigorous all-island fitness training demands.

Part of the proceeds from every Kia'i sandal and Kia’i Trainer goes directly to the Hawaiian Junior Lifeguard Program. This donation is part of OluKai’s ‘Ohana Giveback Program where the company contributes time, money and resources to support cultural and environmental preservation efforts in Hawaii and beyond.

2011 marks the third year that OluKai has supported the Hawaiian Junior Lifeguard Program. This past May 14th at the Third Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a on Maui, OluKai presented the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association with a monitary donation of $16,000 to support Junior Lifeguard Programs on the island of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii.

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

Monthly Ladies Paddling Series

On Wednesday, July 20th we held our monthly ladies paddling series in partnership with SUPCO in Laguna Beach. The event couldn't have been any better! We had amazing clear sunny skies, calm and glassy ocean conditions and an amazing turnout! Over 40 women came out to paddle, including a handful of returning participants from previous weeks. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many first time participants commenting on how safe they felt in the water and how welcoming and friendly the instructors were.

Check out the photos from the event:



We hope you will come join us at either of our two remaining sessions this summer:

August 17 / 4:30pm-6:30pm
September 21 / 4:30pm-6:30pm

Participation is reserved on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive by 4pm to allow time for sign-up.

About the OluKai 3rd Wednesday Paddling Series:

OluKai has partnered with Stand Up Paddle Company (SUPCO) in Laguna Beach to host complimentary ladies recreational paddle once a month. The goal of the event is to encourage women to experience the ocean in a new way, learn a new skill, and enjoy the company of others.

OluKai reserves 20 boards from SUPCO allowing two 1 hour sessions, for a total capacity of 40 women. Professional instructors from SUPCO lead the lessons, teaching basics on the beach, then one by one helping the women into the water. Instructors in the water paddle with the participants to give pointers or answer any questions. When it is time to paddle in through the surf zone, the instructors help each participant enter the beach safely.

All ability levels are welcomed. Bring your beach basics – towel, sunscreen, bathing suit, water, and a change of dry clothes. We’re excited to paddle with you!