OluKai 6th Annual Ho’olaule’a this Weekend

Olukai Hoʻolauleʻa.

By Wendy Osher

The OluKai brand kicks off its 6th annual Ho’olaule’a on Maui this weekend with an eight mile downwind race from Maliko to Kanahā Beach Park on Maui’s North Shore.

Event organizers say the Maliko Downwind Run brings together the world’s biggest names in Stand Up Paddling, One-Man, and Two-Man Outrigger Canoe paddlers for a chance to win $15,000 in prize money and gifts.

Among the 2014 athletes registered this year are: Connor Baxter, Andrea Moller, Kody Kerbox, and Lauren Spalding.

In addition to the race event, the  OluKai Ho’olaule’a also features family-friendly traditional activities including canoe sailing, surfing, Hawaiian games, a lūʻau, hula, and live music. The event also includes the participation of retailers from across the country.

“As a company, the Ho’olaule’a is time for celebration, but for us, it’s also an expression of gratitude. Every year the event not only brings together friends and family from all areas of the world, but gives us the opportunity to share ‘Ohana and honor our valued giveback partners,” said Kerry Konrady, director of marketing at OluKai in a company press release.

Saturday, May 10: SUP races, Rescue Demonstration, Concert

The event begins on Saturday, May 10, with a three mile fun paddle beginning at the Pāʻia Youth Center with an 8 a.m. check-in and 9 a.m. beach start. The fun paddle ends with a water finish at Kanahā Beach Park.

The competitive races begin with a stand up paddle race on Saturday, May 10, beginning at Maliko Gulch at 12 p.m., with a 10 a.m. check-in.

Following the SUP race on Saturday, festival goers will be invited to observe an open water rescue demonstration by Maui members of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association at Kanahā. The demonstration will be hosted by OluKai Konohiki and veteran Maui Lifeguard and Waterman Hall of Famer, Archie Kalepa.

Saturday night will conclude with an award ceremony and concert with performances by Anuhea, Mishka, and Paula Fuga.

Sunday, May 11: OC1 and OC2 Races

The 8-mile OC1 and OC2 canoe races take place on Sunday, May 11, 2014. Both races begin at Maliko Gulch with a 10 a.m. check-in and a 12 p.m. start. The outrigger races conclude with a 180 degree buoy turn to finish at Kanahā Beach Park.

Monday, May 12: Mālama Kaheawa Replanting Project

On Monday following the weekend events, OluKai employees and local volunteers will travel together to the Kaheawa windmill site to spend the day learning sustainability methods and help to replant native ʻōhiʻa lehua trees.

The weekend events will be filmed and broadcast internationally via OluKai partner, Ocean Paddler TV.

OluKai is described as an “ultra-luxury lifestyle brand” that touts the belief that “everyone, no matter where they are, can live Aloha.” Company representatives say OluKai footwear products “blend ocean heritage with modern performance, while leaving the smallest footprint possible on the planet.”

Entry Fees:

Entry fees, if registering before May 9, 2014 include the following: $120 for the SUP Elite Open; $120 for OC1 Elite Open; $65 for SUP; $65 for OC1; $130 for OC2; and $25 for the ʻOhana Fun Paddle.