(May 16, 2011) –The 3rd annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a one man outrigger canoe race was held Sunday May 15, 2011, at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, celebrating the ocean lifestyle, island culture, tradition, giving back, and family. More than 100 paddlers competed in this years OC1 race. The racecourse followed the famous 8-mile Maliko “downwinder” finishing at the Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui. Conditions were ideal with clear skies, 15 knot trade winds with 2 to 4 feet of surf, creating close competition for both men’s and women’s.

Jimmy Austin took first place in the men’s Elite OC1 race with a time of 00:47:37, Manny Kulukulualani finished second with a time of 00:48:07 and Kareal Tresnak finished third with the time of 00:48:31.

Andrea Moller defended her 2009 and 2010 OluKai Ho’olaule’a title by winning the women’s Elite OC1 race with a time of 00:53:16. Dane Ward finished in close second with a time of 00:54:32,  Emili Janchevis took third place with a time of 00:54:43 and Lae’ula O Kai’s own Sharon Balidoy took 4th place.

The top 6 finishers in the elite division took home portions of the $7,500 prize purse, with equal prize money for the men’s and women’s division.

Beyond the races, paddlers, families and other visitors shared the camaraderie, gorgeous weather, Hawaiian games, luau and music. Guests enjoyed traditional Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands, sailing canoe rides on the HSCA champion vessel Kamakakoa, and Lae ‘Ula O Kai canoe club’s traditional luau.

Part of the proceeds from the OluKai Ho’olaule’a go to the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program. Beneficiaries include the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association/Junior Lifeguard Program, Maui Cultural Lands and Team Kamakakoa, champions of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association.

Maui, HI (May 14, 2011) –The 3rd annual OluKai Ho’olaule’a stand up paddle race was held today Saturday May 14 2011, at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, celebrating the ocean lifestyle, island culture, tradition, giving back, and family.

This year’s SUP race nearly doubled in size with over 200 paddlers and hundreds of spectators, friends, and family members. The racecourse followed the famous 8-mile Maliko “downwinder” finishing at the Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui. Conditions were ideal with clear skies, 15 to 25 knot trade winds and some very long surf runs creating close competition and records time for both men’s and women’s.

Kai Bartlett took first place in the men’s Elite SUP race with a course record time of 00:49:02, Livio Menela finished 2nd with a time of 00:49:19 and Ekolu Kalama 3rd place with the time of 00:51:39.

Women’s Elite SUP top finishers were defending champion Andrea Moller with a women’s record time of 00:55:42, Tailia Gangini finished 2nd with a time of 00:59:25 and at 00:59:40 3rd place Devin Blish. The men’s and women’s elite finalist shared a gender equal prize purse of $7,500 in prize money.

This year OluKai expanded the Ho’olaule’a to include an “Ohana Fun Paddle”. A 3 mile non-competitive, non-timed paddle for ocean enthusiast of all ages and all skill levels. The “Ohana Fun Paddle” occurred Saturday from Piai Youth and Cultural Center to the Kanaha Beach Park. OluKai had an amazing turn out with over 100 participants of all ages and all types of watercrafts.

Paddlers, families and other visitors shared the camaraderie, gorgeous weather, Hawaiian games, hula performance, luau and music by Paula Fuga. Guests enjoyed traditional Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands, sailing canoe rides on the HSCA champion vessel Kamakakoa, Lae ‘Ula O Kai canoe club’s traditional luau with imu (pig roast) and a Hula performance by Hula Halau Alapa’i I Maluuluolele before Paula Fuga took the stage. Families relaxed on the park grass for Fug’a performance that started with a dramatic plumeria drop over the crowd.

Part of the proceeds from the OluKai Ho’olaule’a go to the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program. Beneficiaries include the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association/Junior Lifeguard Program, Maui Cultural Lands and Team Kamakakoa, champions of the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association.

Ka Leo O Ka Lae`ula
January 2007

We Have Grown

2006 was an expansion year for the adult division. We are still considered a small to medium club, leaning more to the medium, but it seemed like a big club to us old timers. Trying to maintain our intimate and cozy feeling where everyone knows everybody was at times a challenge. Luckily our past members are inviting, welcoming & outgoing.

Practice continued to be held in the mornings and evenings with both sessions being full and requiring the use of all our canoes. Yes, even the malias. By the end of the season the novice B’s were able to tell the difference between the Malia and our racers as they cringed when their names were called for the older canoes. (Yep, experienced veterans get the newer canoes) Mahalo to Karen & Malama Chun for the use of their canoe, it was a life saver.

We had an energetic group of kids with great numbers in the 10 and under, in a few years they will be super 12’s. Our 12 and under girls found themselves in the medal ceremony for most of the regattas while our 16 boys faced many challenges including making it to the beach.

What was very helpful this year was the kokua received from many LUOK members with the kid’s practices. With so many young kamali`i it is import- ant to have enough adults to go out with all of them and keep a watchful eye on them and give their canoes a little power to make it back up wind. Thank you to our kids coaches and kokua people; Mary, Jim, Caitlin, Rosela, Rick H., Howard & those that kokua when they were able to.

Senior Master Women – An Undefeated Season

Karen, Kathy, Kat, Beth, Caitlin, Bonny

Who would have thought? Perhaps that is the key? Go into the races with an open mind, with a simple expectation: to have fun while executing their plan to the best of their abilities both individually & as a crew.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Senior Master Women who were amongst a small elite group to remain undefeated in the MCHCA 2006 season. We are so proud and happy for all of them. Beth Moyers, Kat Wilder, Kathie Zwick, Bonnie Dela Cruz, Caitlin Nascimento, Karen Chun, and a little kokua from Malika for 2 races when one of the original members was off island.

These women did not stop and celebrate after the Maui Championships. Instead they practiced hard for another 2 weeks in preparation for the States. What an exciting race at Keehi Lagoon. They were right in the middle of the battle, dukeing it out with Kailua and the ladies from Moloka`i. How did it end? LUOK 3rd in the State for the Senior Master Women’s division – 2006!

Well, there is now a target on their backs. Crews will be gunning for them. How exciting, can’t wait for next season.

Directions to Canoe Halau

Go to Kanaha Park (behind the airport) and take the first paved entrance into the park. As soon as you get to the parking stalls (by the restrooms) you should see our Halau Wa’a (above picture).

2009 BoD’s:

President: James Bailey
Vice President: Mark Raaphorst
Secretary: Joann Gascon
Treasurer:
Missy Dunham
Directors:
Bryce Thayer
Caitlin Nascimento
Joanna Garcia
Kat Wilder
Linda Jolie Goelz
Mary Kielty
Michele Golberg
Sharon Balidoy
Lars Gascon
Momi Kaikala
Lee Moyers

Website of our sister halau: Ka`imi Na`auao O Hawai`i Nei

Lae’Ula O Kai – 2nd in the World

Sharon, Mary, Barb, Jenn, Dolly, Mary

Kia Ora Mate, how about a plate of oysters & a DB from the chilly bin? These words conjure up some fond memories of our trip to Aotearoa (New Zealand) in March of 2006. 17 of us ventured south for the International Va`a Federation World Sprints held in Hamilton.

We first had to qualify in the trials held on Oahu the day following the Queen Lili`uokalani long distance races in Kona. After qualifying, practice for this group began the 3rd week in December.

This extra effort culminated with a 2nd place finish in the Master women 500 meter sprint. Less than one second separated 2nd through 5th place. We did not want to believe that we had pulled off a 2nd; even with the jumbo-tron replaying the finish, it was so close. Not until the results were posted did we celebrate. This race was our highlight but it was not our only race.