3rd Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival

Save the Date: 3rd Annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival
May 14 and 15 a celebration of ocean culture comes to Kanaha Beach Park, Maui

OluKai’s Ho’olaule’a, a celebration of the ocean and the cultures that surround it, returns on May 14th and 15th to the Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui. The third annual Ho’olaule’a pays tribute to the ocean lifestyle through competition, tradition, family and giving back to the community.

Elite watermen, waterwomen and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to paddle race the famous Maliko “downwinder” on Maui’s North shore, an eight-mile stretch from Maliko Gulch to the Lae ’Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park.

A $15,000 prize purse will be shared equally between the men’s and women’s elite division of each racing discipline. Both the OC1, one-person canoe, and standup paddle races will run along the Maliko “downwinder” throughout the festival weekend. The standup paddle race will take place on Saturday starting at noon and the OC1 race will begin at noon on Sunday.

OluKai has expanded this year’s Ho’olaule’a to include an “Ohana Fun Paddle”. This 2.5 mile non-competitive, non-timed paddle was developed for ocean enthusiast of all ages and all skill levels. The “Ohana Fun Paddle” will occur on Saturday from Baldwin Beach to the Kanaha Beach Park.

Beyond the paddle races, free, fun activities will celebrate the spirit and traditions of Island culture. Everyone is invited to join in ancient Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands. The 2010 HSCA Champions “Team OluKai” will be offering sailing canoe rides in their renowned vessel Kamakakoa throughout the weekend.

Saturday evening the celebration continues with a traditional Hawaiian luau, hula performance and live music. The luau dinner with live entertainment is $10 for adults 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.