Waikiki Community Center presents the 24th Annual Ala Wai Challenge

Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki, Hawaii
Event Calendar Item
Waikiki Community Center presents the 24th Annual Ala Wai Challenge
Tweet
Type: Community Sports Event
Date: Sunday - 1/25/2009
Time: 8:00 AM - 1pm
Location:
Ala Wai Neighborhood Park
and
Clubhouse near Waikiki

Contact: 923-1802
Cost: Free

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Waikiki Community Center
24th Annual Ala Wai Challenge
Presented by Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Sunday, January 25, 2009
8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Celebrating the ancient sports of Hawaii’s past
Special honorees Bobby Puakea and Clyde Aikau

Honolulu, HI – For the 24th year, the Waikiki Community Center will host its Annual Ala Wai Challenge on Sunday, January 25, 2009, from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Ala Wai Neighborhood Park and Clubhouse. The Ala Wai Challenge is a fun filled community event for Hawaii residents and visitors featuring outrigger canoe racing and ancient Hawaiian Makahiki games. This cultural event showcases how the Hawaiian people competed in these unique sport games that can only be found in Hawaii.

Each year the event honors two living water sports legends of Hawaii. The 2009 honorees are Bobby Puakea and Clyde Aikau. Bobby, a master canoe builder, has coached many canoe clubs over the years. Clyde is a big wave surfing legend and brother of the late Eddie Aikau. Both are legendary canoe paddlers and surfers, and have perpetuated the legacy of native Hawaiian canoe racing in the community.

Sponsored by the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, the event also features a variety of handmade Hawaiian crafts, free entertainment, food vendors, and fun activities to learn how to create a ‘green” and sustainable community. Participants can also make their own smoothies by peddling a bicycle powered blender, courtesy of the Sustainable Saunders Initiative at UH Manoa. You can also experience authentic “Lomi lomi” (Hawaiian massage) and “La’au Lapa’au” (Hawaiian medical herbs). Admission to the event is free for residents and visitors.

The outrigger canoe race is a mile race along the Ala Wai Canal, which is open to all skill levels. The race is a double elimination, having winners and consolation brackets so all teams race twice.

The Hawaiian games feature the ‘Ulu Maika (bowling a round stone through pegs), O’o Ihe (spear throwing), Moa Pahe’e (dart sliding), Pohaku Ho’oikaika (stone throw) and Huki Kaula (tug of war). This is one of the few events on Oahu where you can experience the ancient sports of Hawaiian culture known as Makahiki.

The event kick offs with a double-hulled canoe procession, in oli’ (chant) and Kahiko (ancient hula and song) by Hula Halau Ka Liko O Ka Palai and Kumu Hula Ainsley Halemanu.

Following the opening procession, there will be a special canoe race for all Waikiki hotel teams to participate in. The race will include 6 novice or seasonal members in a malia canoe that starts from the Mc Cully Bridge to the event site. Teams from other local businesses and corporations will also participate in canoe races and Makahiki games. A first place award will be presented on behalf of Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The main event of canoe races and Makahiki games takes place following the Special All Waikiki Hotel Canoe Race.

2009 EVENT SCHEDULE
8:00 am Official Welcome and Blessing
Double-Hulled Canoe Procession
9:00 am Special Waikiki Hotel Canoe Race
Canoe Races Start
Makahiki Games Start
Farmers Market and Food Open
11:00 am Free Hawaiian Entertainment begins
12:00 pm Completion of Canoe Races and Games
Begin Huki Kaula (tug of war) Event
12:30 pm Award Presentations

Parking will be located in the surrounding neighborhood and at nearby parking structures such as Tokai University on Kapiolani Boulevard and Ala Wai School. From Waikiki, you have a variety of options. The organizers have set up the famous “Canoe Taxi Service” in specially marked double-hulled canoes. Look for the “Canoe Taxi Service” pick-up at Ala Wai Blvd. and Olohana Street.

The Waikiki Community Center provides a variety of services to the people of Waikiki, including an Early Childhood Education Center; physical, social, and educational activities as well as counseling and case management of older adults, a food pantry for the homeless, and a variety other needed services. The mission of the center is to enrich and improve the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of the diverse people of Waikiki through multigenerational on-site and outreach programs and social services. Together, with its on-site partner agencies, the center serves approximately 15,000 people each year.

Since 1978, the center has been meeting the diverse needs of Waikiki’s children, seniors and families. Other special events will follow throughout the year, including a signature gala event honoring the Waikiki Community Center and the Treasures of Waikiki on August 21, 2009. Waikiki Community Center celebrates 31 years of service in March 2009 and the Ala Wai Challenge will serve as the official kick off.

For more information about the Ala Wai Challenge or the Waikiki Community Center, please call 923-1802 or visit their website at www.waikikicommunitycenter.org.

# # #

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii Event Calendar Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
Event Calendar Item