Maui, HI (October 28, 2011) – OluKai’s Ho’olaule’a, a celebration of the ocean and the cultures that surround it, returns on May 12^th and 13^th to the Lae ‘Ula O Kai Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui. The fourth annual Ho’olaule’a blends elite competition with family-friendly cultural activities and gathers some of the world’s best SUP and OC1 paddlers to race the legendary 8-mile Maliko downwind run.

Elite watermen, waterwomen, and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to paddle race the famous Maliko ‘downwinder’ on Maui’s North shore, an eight-mile stretch from Maliko Gulch to the Canoe Club at Kanaha Beach.

A $15,000 prize purse will be shared equally between the men’s and women’s division of each racing discipline. Both the OC1, one-man canoe, and standup paddle races will run along the Maliko ‘downwinder’ throughout the festival weekend. The standup paddle race will take place on Saturday and Sunday will feature the OC1 race.

Returning this year is our ‘Ohana Fun Paddle, a non-competitive, non-timed 3-mile paddle for all ages, all skill levels, and any human-powered ocean craft allowed. The ‘Ohana Fun Paddle’ will occur Saturday from Paia Youth and Cultural Center to the Kanaha Beach Park.

Beyond the paddle races, free, fun activities will celebrate the spirit and traditions of Island culture. Everyone is invited to join in ancient Hawaiian games hosted by Maui Cultural Lands and 2011 HSCA Champions, ‘Team OluKai’, will be offering sailing canoe rides in their renowned vessel, Kamakakoa, throughout the weekend.

Saturday evening celebrations continuewith a traditional Hawaiian luau, hula performance and live music. The luaudinner with live entertainment is free with race entry and $10 for all other attendees.

Part of the proceeds from the OluKai Ho’olaule’a Ocean Festival go to the OluKai ‘Ohana Giveback Program. Beneficiaries include Maui Cultural Lands and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s Junior Lifeguard Program. These organizations will be presented with donations at a special ceremony concluding the weekend festivities on Sunday evening.