Outrigger canoe races; stand-up paddling competitions; Hawaiian games, music and dance — the Duke Kahanamoku Beach Challenge is a celebration its namesake would have loved. The 30th annual event March 15 remembers the famed Hawaiian beachboy who was an Olympic standout.
Originally called the Ala Wai Challenge because the races were held on the Ala Wai Canal, it benefits the nonprofit Waikiki Community Center (WCC; see sidebar). Only a few teams participated back then, and spectators numbered around 500.
In 2011 the venue changed to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and the event was renamed the Duke Kahanamoku Beach Challenge after one of Hawaii’s most famous sports figures. The beach and lagoon fronting the hotel, where the canoe and stand-up paddling (SUP) races are held, are also named after Duke.
"The event has grown by leaps and bounds since then — we’re expecting 3,000 people to attend this year — and Hilton has continued to provide us free use of their facilities and generous title sponsorship," said Caroline Hayashi, WCC’s executive director.
In addition to Kahanamoku, the Beach Challenge has, since its inception, spotlighted other kamaaina who have strengthened Hawaii’s cultural and historical ties to the ocean. Tommy Holmes, one of the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society (www.hokulea.com), was the first honoree. Others include canoe builder Bobby Puakea; surfer and lifeguard Clyde Aikau; Nainoa Thompson, who helped revive the ancient Polynesian technique of celestial navigation; and Hannie Anderson, one of the founders of the Na Wahine o ke Kai Molokai-to-Oahu canoe race.
| Waikiki Community Center
Founded in 1978, the Waikiki Community Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that benefits people who live, work and visit Waikiki. In addition to providing early childhood education, social services for seniors and food for families in need, WCC offers more than 60 weekly classes — including hula, ukulele, painting and tai chi — at its 46,000-square-foot campus at 310 Paoakalani Ave.
A vegan cooking demonstration is coming up at WCC on April 22, the Royal Hawaiian Band will give a free concert there May 27 and a circle-island tour is planned for July 17, including lunch and transportation.
Annual memberships start at $35 ($30 for seniors 60 and older). Members receive a discount on classes, seminars and excursions. Call 923-1802, email info@waikikicommunitycenter.org or check out www.waikikicommunitycenter.org for more information.
|
This year’s honorees, who will arrive via outrigger canoe, are Kahanamoku’s grandnieces and grandnephews: Elianne Pualani Kahanamoku and Cameron Hiapo Kahanamoku from the paternal side of his family and Kinau Paoa and Kapulenui Paoa from his maternal side. They will be recognized during the opening ceremony, which includes chants, music and hula.
Following that, crowds will gather to cheer for their favorite teams in the canoe and SUP races, and the makahiki games. Between enjoying the nonstop entertainment and browsing at booths selling original art, natural soaps, Niihau shell jewelry and other handcrafted made-in-Hawaii products, attendees can also try playing moa pahee (dart sliding), konane (Hawaiian checkers), ulu maika (bowling) and huki kaula (tug of war).
"From the beginning, the Duke Kahanamoku Beach Challenge has been a community-based effort to put on a fun, authentic, multifaceted Hawaiian cultural experience," Hayashi said. "Hundreds of volunteers and partners make the event possible, from setting up equipment to monitoring the competitions to providing free entertainment. From start to finish, it’s a day filled with aloha."
Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.
IF YOU GO …
DUKE KAHANAMOKU BEACH CHALLENGE
» Place: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu
» Day: March 15
» Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
» Admission: Free
» Phone: 923-1802
» Email: info@waikikicommunitycenter.org
» Website: www.waikikicommunitycenter.org
» Notes: The Ilikai Hotel is offering attendees a flat parking rate of $5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The entrance to its parking structure is on the harbor side of Hobron Lane, after The Modern Honolulu hotel (look for the "self parking" sign).
Teams of 10 people can register for the competitions through Wednesday. Entry fees (tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS) start at $1,500 per team. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Contact Jill Okimura at the phone number above or via email at jokimura@waikikicommunitycenter.org for more information.
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:55-10 a.m.
Opening ceremony featuring vocalist Cathy Foy and the Royal Hawaiian Band
9:10-9:15 a.m.
Double-hull canoe procession carrying the honorees from Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon to the Great Lawn
9:15-9:45 a.m.
Official welcome of honorees Elianne Kahanamoku, Cameron Kahanamoku, Kinau Paoa and Kapulenui Paoa, grandnieces and grandnephews of Duke Kahanamoku
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Makahiki games, and canoe and SUP races
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Entertainment and craft booths
1-1:30 p.m.
Huki kaula (tug of war)
1:30 p.m.
Award presentations
