Ongoing Commitment To Progression: OluKai Presents TEDxMaui 2013

In an ongoing effort to support thought-provoking discourse while strengthening regional innovation in Hawai’i, OluKai will present the second TEDxMaui, the independently produced version of the globally renowned TED conference committed to “ideas worth spreading,” on January 13, 2013, in Kahului, Maui. 

A live broadcast of the TEDxMaui event will be accessible through www.olukai.com with opening ceremonies beginning at 9:00 a.m. Hawaiian Standard Time / 11:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. People across the country and beyond can also follow TEDxMaui live on Twitter at @tedxmaui and participate in live conversation by using the #TEDxMaui2013 hashtag.
 
Similar to the mission of OluKai’s Talk Story series (an original collection of short videos and photography curated to inspire and connect people across cultures), the day-long conference will encourage global thinking and positive action with luminary speakers such as Archie Kalepa, mentor to OluKai, big-wave surfer and innovative waterman recently inducted to the Hawaii Watermen’s Hall of Fame; Alex Grey, visionary medical illustrator from Harvard Medical School whose art has been featured in Time, Newsweek, on the Discovery Channel and albums of Tool, Beastie Boys and Nirvana; Quayle Hodek, renewable energy expert named one of the ‘7 Hottest CEO’s’ by Treehugger.com and one of Red Herring’s ‘Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 35;’ Jenelle Peterson, an inspired teacher who has taught in classrooms from Compton to Maui; and Kim Rosen, MFA, author of Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words whose work has been featured in media such as O Magazine and The New Yorker. 

“OluKai is the founding partner of TEDxMaui and we are honored to continue in helping create an enduring platform for inspired thinking,” said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing for OluKai.
 
OluKai’s giveback philosophy is part of brand’s DNA and marked by a continual commitment to partnering with organizations 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/Kamakani Eleu, which is part of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association. OluKai has built a legacy of support with relevant, meaningful and high-quality events across the country such as Outside Lands, the OluKai Love & Roots Tour with Anuhea and Mishka, TEDxMaui and their employee-produced Ho’olaule’a annual celebration (with elite SUP and OC1 races) on Maui. Additionally, the brand has stepped in with hands-on efforts for pressing needs such as participating in a recent cross-country drive to deliver supplies to people in New York affected by Hurricane Sandy along with their annual Giveback Day, during which the company closes its doors and joins a local cause – such as Project Save Our Surf and Inside The Outdoors for wetlands and ocean conservation and StandUp for Kids to raise awareness and supplies for homeless and street kids in Orange County, CA.


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.

For more information about TEDxMaui, visit www.tedxmaui.com and ‘Like’ them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TEDxMaui.

Mahalo From OluKai

OluKai would like to sincerely thank everyone that supported the Cyber Monday Sandy Relief efforts. Because of you, we were able to exceed our goal and donate all proceeds from that day to those in and around New York that were affected by the storm.

 In addition, Project Save our Surf successfully completed their journey across the nation to deliver over $100,000 in supplies to people in need. Overall we could not have done this without your support. Mahalo!

OluKai Gives Back To Hurricane Sandy Relief

Partners With Project Save Our Surf,  Delivering $100,000 In Supplies To People Affected

With a long-standing commitment to giving back, OluKai has announced a partnership with Project Save Our Surf to provide relief to people who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy in New York City. OluKai has donated about 700 pairs of closed toed shoes (valued at over $85,000) as well as financial support to stores and retail shops to which OluKai is connected that have suffered structural damage (minimum of $15,000) from the storm. Ambassadors from Project Save Our Surf will begin driving across the United Stated today, from Santa Monica to New York, where they will work with the New York Surfrider Foundation to set up several relief outposts for people to come to and receive the supplies they need (such as clothing, shoes, baby items, water, non-perishable foods, school supplies, toiletries, pillows, blankets, towels, batteries, pet food, cleaning supplies, shovels and generators). The drive will be completed in three days.

"Everyone at OluKai has been deeply moved by the aftermath of Sandy,” said Cara Hockersmith, OluKai Project Lead for Sandy Relief Efforts. “We are grateful to be able to take local action with our partners Project Save Our Surf and New York Surfrider.”

OluKai’s giveback philosophy is a deep part of the brand’s DNA and marked by a continual commitment to partnering with organizations actively pursuing Mauka- and Makai-initiatives (protecting the land and ocean). Additionally, OluKai has built a legacy of support with meaningful events such as their annual Giveback Day, during which the company closes its doors and joins a local cause – such as Project Save Our Surf and Inside The Outdoors for wetlands and ocean conservation and StandUp for Kids to raise awareness and supplies for homeless and street kids in Orange County, CA.

About Project Save Our Surf 
Project Save our Surf is dedicated to the conservation of our oceans and freshwater alike. With surfers, celebrities, friends, families and businesses in unison they educate the public to reverse the trend of environmental pollution and create a plastic-free world. http://projectsaveoursurf.org/index.php. Project Save our Surf has four beneficiaries, one of them being Inside the Outdoors.

3rd Annual OluKai 'Ohana Giveback Day

On September 26, 2012, as part of a deep and long-standing commitment to giving back, OluKai closed the doors to their offices in Orange County for their 3rd Annual Giveback Day. Because of a shared dedication to ocean conservation along with hands-on environmental educational programs, OluKai partnered with Project Save Our Surf and Inside The Outdoors to locally give back by removing non-native plants and re-planting native plants at Upper Newport Back Bay, which is considered one of the most precious natural resources in Southern California. Forty volunteers from OluKai joined 20 others from Project Save Our Surf and Inside The Outdoors for the day-long event.

"Our Annual Giveback Day is a tradition for us to gather as a family and volunteer our time locally with organizations who share our giveback ethic," said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing at OluKai. "It was an honor to combine our efforts with two organizations we respect and together make positive change happen in our backyard."

  

In 2011, OluKai partnered with specialty retailers and together cleaned up over 300 pounds of trash from six different beaches in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties for their Giveback Day. In 2010, OluKai held a Life Supply Drive to benefit StandUp for Kids, an organization that helps homeless and street kids every day in cities across the United States.

OluKai’s Annual Giveback Day is part their giveback philosophy, which is marked by a continual commitment to partnering with organizations 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/Kamakani Eleu, which is part of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association. Additionally, OluKai has built a legacy of support with relevant, meaningful and high-quality events across the country such as Outside Lands, the OluKai Love & Roots Tour with Anuhea and Mishka, TEDxMaui and their sole-sponsored Ho’olaule’a annual celebration (with elite SUP and OC1 races) on Maui.

About Project Save Our Surf

Project Save our Surf is dedicated to the conservation of our oceans and freshwater alike. With surfers, celebrities, friends, families and businesses in unison they educate the public to reverse the trend of environmental pollution and create a plastic-free world. http://projectsaveoursurf.org/index.php. Project Save our Surf has four beneficiaries, one of them being Inside the Outdoors.

About Inside The Outdoors

Inside the Outdoors is a unique and hands-on environmental education program administered by the Orange County Department of Education. Their mission is to empower students, teachers, parents, and the community to explore natural areas and expand their knowledge, understanding, and stewardship of the environment. http://ito.ocde.us/Home.htm

 

 

                  

Archie Kalepa Inducted into the Waterman Hall of Fame

Surrounded by the waterman community some 500 strong, Archie Kalepa – our own beloved mentor, advisor and inspiration – was inducted, along with seven other athletes, into the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame.

This recognition is the highest award one can receive for achievements in the water sport community. So when he found out he was selected, he didn't tell anyone except his wife Alicia for nearly a month. "I didn't believe it could happen to me," Kalepa says. "To be included with Duke Kahanamoku....I'm so honored. And to be inducted with my good friends Brian [Keaulana] and Mike [Tongg] makes it very, very special. This is like the [pro football] Hall of Fame, but it's for those who have the same passion and love for the ocean."

They gathered on Oahu on August 23 to honor Kalepa’s accomplishments – from helping to pioneer tow-in, big-wave surfing and the use of jet skis in ocean rescue (Kalepa is a longtime Maui county ocean safety captain) to driving the popularity of SUP with both innovation, as co-founder of C4 Waterman, and exploration: Kalepa was the first person to paddle the Molokai to Oahu race on a standup board and made the first SUP descent of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

They also gathered to honor his commitment to Hawaiian culture, and in particular the connections to the past, to each other and to the ocean, and what Kahanamoku himself referred to as the “Creed of Aloha.”

"In Hawaii, we greet friends, loved ones or strangers with Aloha, which means love.  Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawaii renowned as the world's
center of understanding and fellowship. Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You'll
be surprised by their reaction. I believe it and it is my creed. Aloha to you."

Duke Kahanamoku's Creed of Aloha 

Kalepa said no one thought crossing the Kaiwi Channel on a SUP was possible when he set out to do it in 2004. "And now look,” he says, “there was nearly 300 paddlers who did it the last race. I see SUP as a continuation of what Duke did when he as bringing surfing to the world: he wanted to share something that could be enjoyed by many.” 

   

Kalepa joins past Hawai'i Waterman Hall of Fame honorees Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Wally Froiseth, Fred Hemmings, Buffalo Keaulana, Rabbit Kekai, Keo Nakama, Nappy Napoleon, Rell Sunn, Peter Cole, Ethel Kukea, Aileen Soule, and Nainoa Thompson - each an embodiment of Kahanamoku’s creed, each a testament to the Hawaiian waterman tradition.

Accepting his honor, he turned to the community and he asked that no matter what ocean or beach, or part of the world we may find ourselves, to share Duke’s spirit and greet everyone with “Aloha.”

Archie Kalepa to be Inducted into Duke Watermans Hall of Fame

Tomorrow, Archie Kalepa, beloved Maui waterman, lifeguard, ocean sports innovator and mentor to OluKai, will be inducted to the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s Hawai’i Waterman Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu, Hawai’i.



The Hawai’i Waterman Hall of Fame was founded in 2010 to create a lasting tribute to the Hawaiian Islands’ water sports legacy and honor the achievements of standout watermen and waterwomen in Hawai’i. The criteria used to select inductees are:

Keiki o ka ‘aina / keiki o ke kai

Sustained outstanding contribution to the sport

International, national, and local accomplishment and recognition

In addition to Kalepa, this year’s inductees also include famed big-wave surfer and oceanographer Ricky Grigg; accomplished surfer, waterman and lifeguard Brian Keaulana and instrumental leader in canoe paddling in the Hawaiian islands Michael Tongg. Also being honored are the ancient surfing ali’i of the Royal Family of Hawai’i: HRH Prince David La’amea Kahalepouli Kawānanakoa, HRH Prince Edward Abnel Keli’iahonui, HRH Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana’ole and HRH Princess Victoria Ka’iulani Kalaninuiahilapalapa Kawēkiu-i-Lunalilo Cleghorn.

Past Hawai’i Waterman Hall of Fame honorees include Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Wally Froiseth, Fred Hemmings, Buffalo Keaulana, Rabbit Kekai, Keo Nakama, Nappy Napoleon, Rell Sunn, Peter Cole, Ethel Kukea, Aileen Soule and Nainoa Thompson.

“As a pioneer, innovator and mentor, Archie has made an impact on each of us at OluKai,” said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing for OluKai. “We are humbled to be part of his incredible journey and lasting impact on Hawaiian culture.”

Watch Kalepa offer his inspirational message in OluKai‘s original short film Talk Story series:

OluKai Partners with Outside Lands Music Festival

With a continued commitment to sponsoring relevant, meaningful and high-quality events across the country, OluKai has announced they will be the sole footwear sponsor for Outside Lands, the music, food, wine, beer and art festival in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, on August 10 – 12, 2012. The festival is expected to attract 195,000 guests over three days. OluKai will launch the Fall/Winter 2012 collection in the VIP section as well as a booth in general admission. The VIP area will be replete with cabanas, making it an exclusive destination during the festival. Additionally, OluKai will help keep Golden Gate Park clean by donating resources to Outside Lands TRASHed Recycling Store, a proud tradition of collecting rogue bottles, cans and biodegradable trash at the festival.


Sponsoring Outside Lands is part of OluKai’s growing legacy of thoughtful sponsorships. Recently, OluKai was the sole sponsor for the OluKai Love & Roots Tour, a 33-city tour with Maui’s rising star Anuhea and Mishka, the reggae star signed to Matthew McConaughey’s recording label, TEDxMaui and their Ho’olaule’a celebration (with elite SUP and OC1 races) on Maui. OluKai also 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/Kamakani Eleu, which is part of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association.

"We are proud supporters of Outside Lands, the festival brings together incredible energy and talent over three days in Golden Gate Park,” said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing for OluKai. “The event offers a progressive context to launch our Fall/Winter 2012 line of boots, shoes and sandals on the West Coast.”

About Outside Lands
San Francisco's Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival began in 2008 and takes place annually in historic Golden Gate Park. With an incomparable vision for marrying food, wine and music in a fashion unlike any other festival in the country, Outside Lands has become one of the most popular summer events for both the culinary and music enthusiast alike. It is a welcomed and beloved world-class tradition in its hometown, as it is now known as the event that celebrates in grand style all the things that make the Bay Area one of the most desirable places to live and visit. Outside Lands has raised over $4.3 million dollars for the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and, while honoring Northern California’s spectacularly diverse culture, it has set a new standard for live events worldwide.

OluKai Hosts Private Performance by Hawaiian Musician Anuhea

On Monday March 12, 2012, Hawaiian singer/songwriter Anuhea visited OluKai headquarters during her tour promoting her new album ‘For Love.’ OluKai held an intimate gathering with food and drinks while Anuhea played a 30-minute private acoustic performance for employees and special guests.

Anuhea’s music blends engaging lyrics with acoustic soul, pop and reggae into a style that has earned her a reputation as Hawaii's newest rising star. Her signature guitar flow, sultry vocals and honest songwriting weave acoustic soul, R&B, reggae and jazz with pop appeal reminiscent of a female version of multi-million-record-selling, Hawaii-based Jack Johnson.

“Anuhea’s private performance is part of what makes being a member of the OluKai ‘Ohana special,” said Kellen Trachy Marketing Communications Manager at OluKai. “Employees, family and friends have the opportunity to come together and collectively share in the Aloha spirit. We are thankful to have such a talented Hawaiian artist join us, and wish her the best as she continues spreading the gift of Aloha on tour."

Anuhea’s new album ‘For Love’ is available now at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Amazon, and on iTunes.

OluKai’s Partnership with TEDxMaui Creates Enduring, Passionate Global Event

On Sunday, January 22, 2012, over a 1,000 people gathered at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center for the inaugural, sold-out TEDxMaui event, which OluKai sponsored to help support wide-scale, worldwide social innovation.

In an effort to connect the local community event to the global TEDx audience, OluKai hosted a live webcast of the TEDxMaui event on OluKai.com, which brought in viewers from multiple countries, including China, Guam and Costa Rica.

The full-day TEDxMaui event brought a thought- provoking collective of 18 powerful speakers from the islands and beyond. Highlights from the event included a moving opening by 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, and performance by Paula Fuga, the deeply respected Hawaiian musician and cultural ambassador who uses her talent to bring about positive social change.

OluKai also paid tribute to legendary Hawaiian waterman Archie Kalepa, who was in attendance. Played to the overflowing audience was this short film, original content from OluKai’s Talk Story series: http://talkstory.olukai.com/2011/06/07/archie-kalepa-foil-boarding/.

“Bringing together a community of this depth was moving and deeply inspiring,” said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing for OluKai. “Special thanks to all the hard working folks at TEDxMaui for sharing a special event with the world.”

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.