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.

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