This press release was also published on standuppaddlesurf.net
April 1, 2009, Maui HI – OluKai Premium Footwear announces its inaugural OluKai Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival to be held May 16th and 17th, 2009, at the Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui. This event will celebrate and pay tribute to the ocean lifestyle through competition, tradition, family, and giving back to the community.
Elite watermen, waterwomen, and enthusiasts alike will have the opportunity to race the famous Maliko “downwinder” on Maui’s North shore, an eight-mile stretch from Maliko Gulch to the Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach. Competition will begin with an OC-1 race at 11 a.m. on Saturday May 16th, and will continue with a Stand Up Paddle race at 12 noon on Sunday May 17th. A $15,000 prize purse is up-for-grabs for Elite racers. Elite entry is $100 and Enthusiast entry is $50; both include a luau dinner and race t-shirt. Visit OluKai.com for more information and to register, or register locally at Neil Pryde Maui.
In addition to the competition, there are also fun, free, activities for all to experience the spirit and traditions of the Island culture. Highlights include canoe surfing, ancient Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands, and Hawaiian Sailing Canoe rides hosted by 2008 HSCA Champions “Team OluKai” in their renowned vessel Kamakakoa.
The celebration will continue into the evening on Saturday with a traditional Hawaiian luau, hula performances, and live music for the whole family to enjoy. Luau dinner with live entertainment is $10 for adults and kekei, or included with race entry fee.
Part of the proceeds from the OluKai Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival go to the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program. Beneficiaries include Maui Cultural Lands and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s Junior Lifeguard Program. These organizations will be presented with donations at a special ceremony concluding the weekend festivities on Sunday evening.
“OluKai is honored by the opportunity to share such a unique cultural experience with the ocean community through Ho’olaule’a,” said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing for OluKai. “This year’s inaugural event marks the beginning of a tradition that will celebrate our shared love for the ocean year after year.”
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About OluKai
Founded in 2005, OluKai was conceived from a desire for a premium ocean lifestyle brand with a distinctively different point of view and deep values. We are committed to building a unique and better class of products that blend ocean heritage and modern performance.
