Just a reminder the Kala Kukea Challenge sponsored by Hui Nalu canoe club is Sunday April 25th.
1 man, 2 man, surfski, 6 man (short course only,..
Great warm-up for the Molokai relay.
Long Course- Makapuu-Hawaii Kai
Short Course- Maunalua Bay Triangle
Most exciting SILENT AUCTIION begins during registration (Makana Alii paddle, Round of Golf, Kole Gear, sail on Hokulea, swim lessons, and much, much more....)
All participants get a visor and a great lunch by Reney Ching and her gang.
Thanks for helping to spread the word.
If you don't know who Kala Kukea is, just ask an old timer who raced Kanaka Ikaika in the early 80's (remember the $5 entry fee and all the Hawaiian Style prizes and awesome lunches at the finish) or ask someone who was paddling in the 60's, 70's 80's 90's. One of Hawaii's greatest waterman for sure!!!!
Submitted by denisedarvalchang on Fri, 04/09/2010 - 8:39pm
For shame if someone doesn't know who Kala Kukea is. He is a certified legend amongst watermen and outrigger canoe paddlers. Beyond that, he was one of the finest human beings I have ever had the honor to know. His legacy lives on through his son Nalu. We miss you Kala!
#1 Sat, 04/10/2010 - 5:01am
Thanks for the above, yep those of us who had the privilage of knowing and or being coached by Kala are fortunate. He more than anyone taught me how to surf a 6 man canoe and kayak in the open ocean.
Hoping others will share their Kala story with others.
#2 Sat, 04/10/2010 - 10:25am
I'm not sure who took this photo but its a classic - Kala and Marshall in a surfski race in the Ala Wai
#3 Sat, 04/10/2010 - 3:26pm
Yeah I remember the time us guys caught the special turbo prop plane (one that accepted kayak paddles) for Molokai. You entered from the bottom rear and stored your paddle in a special place set aside for them and then walked to your seat. When we landed, you reverse the procedure: walk to the rear, pick up your paddle and exit. Only trouble, no more my paddle. I panic, for I couldn't find it! I looked everywhere in the back and no more. Man was I bummed out - no more paddle. What I going do? Plus, everybody was yelling at me from the gate telling me to hurry up so we don't miss our van. So here I am, on the Tarmac, walking sadly to the gate. But before I reach the gate, I spak Kala with a big smile on his face holding up my paddle, and loudly saying: "you looking for this?" Everybody stay laughing.
#4 Sat, 04/10/2010 - 5:02pm
Here's a link to an informative biographical sketch of Kala Kukea:
http://www.west-point.org/users/usma1965/25681/
#5 Sat, 04/10/2010 - 5:14pm
Another story about Kala was after a surfski (Poai Puni) race that ended at Kahana Bay: While we were all enjoying another fabulous post race feast put on by the Ching Bruddahs of Punaluu and waiting for the awards presentation, it was announced that one of our racers (Dr. Z) was missing and that the escort boats went back out to search for him. From that moment, Kala took charge, clad only in his shorts and slippahs, he was on the highway, giving commands over a big hand held walkie talkie radio to rescue helicopters that suddenly appeared hovering up above, and rescue fire trucks traveling up and dow Kamehameha Hwy. More rescue boats came and headed out to join the search. Kahana Bay Beach Park was transformed into a busy search and rescue headquarters with Kala in command. Most of us lost our appetites worrying about Dr. Z, so we all stood and gathered near Kala with his big walkie talkie awaiting news about the search. While most of us were standing near Kala listening to occasional bursts of comments from the walkie talkie, a car pulls off the road and drops off a tired Dr. Z. (who overshot the Bay and continued on to Laie). Cheers rang out and everyone was happy again. Kala calls off the search, and all the rescue helicopters, vehicles and boats dissappear. The park transforms back to the way it was before the search began - like nothing happen. Amazing!!!
#6 Mon, 04/12/2010 - 11:30am