Unequivocally, the best events are ones where the everyday “Joe’s” can compete at the same venue as the pros instead of being stuck watching a bunch of people get really good waves while standing in the sand baking under the sun (granted, beers help).
And there aren’t many events out there like that. Maui’s OluKai Ho’olaule’a is one of the good ones for that very reason: it allows us smucks to paddle the same water as elite athletes while celebrating one of the most sacred coast lines in the world when it comes to downwind paddling. But even more importantly, OluKai puts on its event with freakin’ respect.
Running events in the islands can be a dicey endeavor. Social sensitivity is easily the most important aspect of the logistical chaos. Just ask the World Surf League and organizers of the Triple Crown. SURFER Poll, one of surfing’s preeminent evening galas held each December at Turtle Bay on Oahu’s North Shore, has a history of inspiring angst between locals and organizers (so I’ve been told).
But OluKai–Kerry Konrady, Matt Till and team–keep the Ho’olaule’a focused on the important stuff. Namely, downwind paddling, one of the most fun aspects of ocean sport and something that’s been practiced for thousands of years in Polynesian culture. You don’t have to deal with lineup angst because there is no lineup. Yes, surfing open-ocean swell on long stand-up boards and in open canoes doesn’t always translate in imagery (unless conditions are gigantic), but it puts one in direct contact with–or better yet, makes one a part of–the ocean wilderness.
And Saturday at the “OluKai Ho’” is just a damn good time. A mass start gets the morning kicked off at Maliko Gulch, where paddlers sprint the eight miles west to Kanaha Beach Park. And if the conditions are right, wind swell allows entrants not just to race, but to surf the open sea a mile offshore all the way to the beach run at Kanaha. And that’s where the party gets started. Yes, there’s traditional dancing and locals playing easy-listening music, but the most endearing aspect is the barbecue where paddlers of every race, creed and color kick back, eat big and drink beers in the park and enjoy something we don’t always get these days: peace.
Ekolu Kalama, second from right, has raced and played music at the Ho‘olaule‘a.
In my mind, Hawaiians have every right to take any kind of anti-colonial stance they choose. History proves them right a thousand times over. But even the staunchest pro-Hawaiian has to admit that OluKai does a nice job of integrating and preserving culture. Their Ama OluKai Foundation gives back to the people of Maui as well as the environment: employees participate in an environmental restoration project Monday after the event each year. And they don’t hype it or make a big deal out of giving back in the media.
“I’ve been affiliated with OluKai and I’ve played music at their events,” says Ekolu Kalama, a gifted paddler, musician and native Hawaiian who’s staunchly pro-Hawaiian heritage. “What they do for the community is great and the restoration of the valley is commendable. With all their resources, they could maybe do more and make it possible for the Hawaiians to get more of their ancestral lands back, which I believe they’re helping (OluKai ambassador) Archie Kalepa do. In my mind, as long as you’re righteous and serving the community, than you can stay in Hawaii.”
That’s why it’s so easy to get behind the Ho’olaule’a. It’s easily my favorite gathering in ocean sport. A combination of paddling downwind, fantastic people, and peaceful gathering. Something we could use in abundance these days.
Learn more about the event or register for the OluKai Ho’olaule’a here.
