EVENTS…GALORE…PLENTY WAVES AND BIG ONES COMING FOR NEXT WEEK!! SNN
Duke’s OceanFest ‘Waikiki’s Premier Ocean Sports Festival’ Honors Duke Paoa Kahanamoku’s Legacy of Aloha, August 17-25, 2019
WAIKĪKĪ BEACH – Duke’s OceanFest 2019, Waikīkī’s premier ocean sports festival, will take place August 17 to 25. This week-long festival honors the enduring legacy of the legendary Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, an Olympic champion, surfing pioneer and expert canoe paddler, Duke was revered worldwide as an accomplished waterman and Hawai‘i’s Ambassador of Aloha.
Now in its 18th year, Duke’s OceanFest features a series of fun and exciting ocean and beach competitions and special events held the week of Duke Kahanamoku’s birthday anniversary (August 24, 1890). Most competitions and events are taking place at Queen’s Surf on Kūhiō Beach in Waikīkī, a favorite surfing spot of Duke and home to the magnificent statue honoring his lifetime of achievements and furthering the Aloha
Spirit.
As Duke would have wanted, Duke’s OceanFest is presented as a joyous celebration of ocean sports and aloha for all, offering a variety of competitions and events for participants of different ages and skill levels.
Chris Colgate, co-chair of Duke’s OceanFest, commented, “Duke’s OceanFest represents what Duke Kahanamoku stood for and how he lived his life by sharing his aloha and friendship with everyone he encountered in Hawai‘i and around the world. This annual festival, held in Duke’s honor, is a community-inspired event that is dedicated to bringing people together to share our aloha and celebrate the aina/land and kai/sea with everyone who participates.”
Duke’s OceanFest events include surfing competitions for youths, amateurs, tandems, the physically challenged and animals in a variety of events such as a Wounded Warrior canoe regatta, one-mile ocean swim, surfboard water polo, beach volleyball, movies on Waikīkī Beach, a beachfront lū‘au and the special lei draping of the Duke Kahanamoku’s statue.
Duke’s OceanFest supports the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation (ODKF) with proceeds from Duke’s
OceanFest helping to fund ODKF’s scholarships and grants directed at Hawai‘i residents and nonprofit groups competing in ‘Duke related’ water sports and volleyball.
Renowned as Hawai‘i’s greatest athlete, Duke Kahanamoku won six Olympic medals, including three gold medals in swimming, and is recognized as the “Father of International Surfing.” In his prime, Kahanamoku was the world’s fastest swimmer, the single-most influential person in promoting surfing worldwide, and a champion canoe paddler and steersman.
Later in life, Duke Kahanamoku was revered as Hawai‘i’s official Ambassador of Aloha. Captured in his own words, he conveyed the power of the Aloha Spirit in the following, known as Duke’s Creed:
“In Hawai‘i we greet friends, loved ones and strangers with Aloha, which means with love.
Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawai‘i renowned as the world’s center of understanding and fellowship. Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You’ll be surprised by their reaction. I believe it and it is my creed.
Aloha to you.”
Major Gold Level Sponsors of Duke’s OceanFest include the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Kona Brewing, Duke’s Waikiki, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and Matson Navigation.
Funding support by Hawai‘i Tourism is being provided largely in part by money generated from visitors to the Hawaiian Islands through the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT).
Duke’s OceanFest Schedule of Events: August 17-25
All competitions, events and exhibit booths for Duke’s OceanFest are being staged at Kūhiō Beach, Queen’s Surf in Waikīkī, fronting Duke Kahanamoku’s statue, unless noted otherwise. The schedule is subject to change. Please visit www.dukesoceanfest.com for updated information.
AUGUST 17 – Saturday
Matson Menehune SurfFest: Day 1 (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
This special pro-style surf competition begins with the intent to help encourage surfing among Hawai‘i’s youths. Presented by Matson Navigation
Duke’s Waikiki DH Blue Water Paddleboard/SP Race: (10:30 start @ Kai’mana Beach))
In the 1960’s and 70’s this race was a tradition for paddleboarders racing to the Diamond Head Bouy and back to the Outrigger Canoe Club. Duke’s OceanFest is bringing the event back to Waikiki. Presented by Duke’s Waikiki.
Na Koa Wounded Warrior Canoe Regatta: (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)
This inspiring canoe regatta at will feature a series of exciting races manned by the brave Wounded Warriors of America’s Armed Forces, along with family members and retired service members. Location: Fort DeRussy Beach.
Lanikai Canoe Club – Duke Race / Women’s (start/finish @ Kailua Beach)
For over 20 years the Duke Outrigger Canoe Race has honored the life and Legacy of Duke Kahanamkku.
AUGUST 18 – Sunday
Menehune Surf Fest: Day 2 (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Day two of this special pro-style surf competition is presented to help encourage surfing among Hawai‘i’s youths. Presented by Matson Navigation
Duke’s Waikīkī Ocean Mile Swim: (8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.)
This popular open ocean race along the Waikīkī shoreline attracts hundreds of swimmers from Hawai‘i as well as the mainland and internationally. The race starts in front of Duke’s Waikīkī restaurant.
Duke’s OceanFest Opening Ceremony: (5:45 p.m.)
Competitors and fans are treated to a festive opening ceremony, featuring Hawaiian music, traditional hula dancing and highlighted by the always-popular decorating of Duke Kahanamoku’s statue with beautiful fresh flower lei.
Location: Duke Kahanamoku Statue.
Lanikai Canoe Club – Duke Outrigger Distance Race / Men’s (start @ Kailua Beach)
This long distance outrigger canoe race is a test of a crews skill and endurance. Starting at Kailua Beach Park and finishing at Duke Kahanamoku Beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Village this is considered one of Hawaii’s premier Men’s distance races.
AUGUST 19 – Monday
Duke’s Waikīkī Amateur Longboard Classic: Day 1 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Presented by Duke’s Waikīkī, this competition lets the amateurs of longboard surfing show off their skills in a pro-style surf contest to determine the champion of Waikīkī Beach.
Longboard Classic International Novice Division by SHIHO: (11am to 3pm)
With the help of SHIHO this new novice division has been added to the amateur Longboard Classic to help introduce competitive surfing to a small group of our international visitors who surf but have never participated in a surf contest before. Limited to 10 men and 10 women this division should be very entertaining to watch.
Surf Foiling Expression Session
Surfing above the water on surfboards made to fly. This new sport is gaining popularity. Duke’s OceanFest will be showcasing this new style of surfing in the inaugural Surf Foiling Expression Session. Alaia Surfing Demonstration
Classic solid redwood surfboards from the early 1900’s will take to the waves again at Queen’s Beach where surfing began. Come down and see how these boards rode the waves of Hawaii.
Adaptive Surfing Exhibition: (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Dedicated to athletes who have found that the ocean and surfing helps them to overcome their physical challenges.
AUGUST 20 – Tuesday
Duke’s Waikīkī Amateur Longboard Classic: Day 2 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Beachboy King of Queen’s Beach Surf Contest: Day 1 (8:30am – 4:30pm)
A Duke’s OceanFest sponsored Surf Contest to honor 32 of Waikiki’s Beach Boys and Women Surfing Instructures and Lifeguards to compete in the inaugural contest for the bragging rights to be “The King of Oween’s Beach”.
Going to the Dogs SurFUR ComPETition: (9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)
Four-legged surfers will lead their owners into the waves of Waikīkī for this fun, one-of-a-kind comPETition that awards prizes for the best solo SurFUR and best tandem SurFUR team. Presented by Calvin and Susie.
AUGUST 21 – Wednesday
Duke’s Waikīkī Amateur Longboard Classic: Day 3 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Pacific Tandem Surfing Contest: Day 1 (10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Day 1 of this two-day competition brings together terrific tandem surfers to showcase their artistry with the goal of being crowned as Waikīkī’s top surfing duet. Presented by Piology.
AUGUST 22 – Thursday
Duke’s Waikīkī Amateur Longboard Surf Classic: Day 4 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Pacific Tandem Contest: Day 2 (10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Outrigger Resorts Legends Surf Classic: Day 1 (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
This three-day competition combines sponsored teams of amateur surfers with the sport’s legends in this prostyle surf meet. Net proceeds raised benefit ODKF’s scholarships and grants program.
Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Waterman’s Hall of Fame (doors open 5:30 p.m.)
Each year, distinguished Hawai‘i watermen and waterwomen are honored for their lifetime of achievements with induction into the Hawai‘i Waterman Hall of Fame. Location: Outrigger Canoe Club. Tickets available at dukefoundation.org
AUGUST 23 – Friday
Outrigger Resorts Legends Surf Classic: Day 2 (7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
DUKE a One Man Show by Moses Goods / A Night Under The Stars: Free Admission (7:30 p.m. start)
Award-winning native Hawaiian playwright and actor Moses Goods wrote and stars in this one-man show, portraying more than a dozen characters in an unforgettable depiction of the extraordinary life of Duke Kahanamoku.
Duke Kahanamoku: Hawai‘i’s Soul documentary will be broadcast on KGMB Friday, August 23 at 7:00pm.
AUGUST 24 – Saturday
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Sunrise Birthday Lei Draping (7:00 a.m.)
The 129th anniversary of Duke Kahanamoku’s birthday is honored with a special morning ceremony that features the decorating of his statue with beautiful fresh flower lei.
Location: Duke Kahanamoku Statue.
Outrigger Resorts Legends Surf Classic: Day 3 (7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Day 2 of this special pro-style surf competition for amateurs. Sponsored teams of amateur surfers are matched with the sport’s legends in a one-of-a-kind surf meet. Net proceeds raised benefit ODKF’s scholarships and grants program.
Outrigger Resorts Junior Beach Volleyball Tournament: (8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
Hawai‘i’s up-and-coming junior volleyball players will compete to be the champions of Waikīkī Beach. Location: Kapi‘olani-Queen’s Sand Volleyball Courts.
Great Hawaiian Legends Lū‘au (6:00 – 9:30 p.m.)
Good friends, great Hawaiian music, happy memories, and ono food are the hallmarks of Duke’s OceanFest’s annual beachfront Legends Lū‘au. Location: Waikīkī Aquarium. Tickets available at Honolulu Box Office.
AUGUST 25 – Sunday
Red Bull Party Wave (10am to 3pm)
The Red Bull Party Wave will be the final event of Duke’s OceanFest for 2019. Competing teams will be decked out in themed costumes, perform a skit on the beach, and then paddle out together to collectively catch some waves. Teams can apply to compete in Red Bull Party Wave at redbull.com/partywave.
Outrigger Resorts Adult Beach Volleyball Tournament (8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
Teams square off in a fun-filled tournament for the final beach volleyball competition of Duke’s OceanFest. Location: Kapi‘olani-Queen’s Sand Volleyball Courts.
Duke Kahanamoku Surfboard Waterpolo (8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)
Six-person teams will play water polo on surfboards, the same way Duke Kahanamoku, his brothers and fellow beach boys did in Waikīkī during the 1920s and 1930s. Location: Kapahulu Breakwall.
For more information about Duke’s OceanFest, please visit www.dukesoceanfest.com or follow updates on Facebook.
Information: info@dukesoceanfest.com
Contacts:
Jim Fulton: (808) 221-6804 jfulton1010@gmail.com
Brent Imonen: (808)285-6667 brent@dukesoceanfest.com
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