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.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
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.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
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!
“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!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
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.
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.
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
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
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
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.comWednesday, August 11, 2010
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 .
Photo courtesy of Gloira Reed
Photo courtesy of Gloira Reed
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Williams Photography Showcase
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!!!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
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!!!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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...
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.
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