WCC Ala Wai Challenge Waikiki Community Center

WCC Ala Wai Challenge presented by The Watermark Waikiki

Waikiki Community Center 24th Annual Ala Wai Challenge presented by Waikiki Beach Marriott scheduled January 25, 2009

WCC 24th ANNUAL ALA WAI CHALLENGE

WCC 24th Annual Ala Wai Challenge sponsored by Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort returned to Ala Wai Neighborhood Park on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. The event kicked off with a traditional Hawaiian blessing at the Ala Wai Playground & Park which is located at the bottom of University Ave. Over 20 teams participated in canoe races, Makahiki games, Hawaiian Marketplace, food, Hawaiian lomi-lomi, canoe taxi across the Ala Wai Canal to event site, and Hawaiian entertainment.

At 8 a.m. the opening ceremony and double-hulled canoe procession kicked off the races. This year, our distinguished honorees are two living Hawaiian water sports legends Bobby Puakea, master canoe builder and Clyde Aikau, surfing legend and brother of the late Eddie Aikau. Our honorees have inspired many with their involvement and dedication to water sports and Hawaiian culture.

Ala Wai Challenge is an outdoors sports event which encourages team work and community building within the visitor industry by promoting Hawaiian culture among visitors and residents.

Teams of twelve (12) participate in a 1/4 mile canoe sprint along the Ala Wai Canal and obtain points with their skills at the Makahiki Games—accruing points for their team. The final winner is declared by the very popular Huki Kaula (Tug of War) to determine the winner! A coveted trophy is presented to the winning team at the award presentation. Form a team of twelve members and join the fun. Team registration is $420 and includes a shirt and lunch; all canoe supplies are provided.

Enjoy fabulous entertainment, Tahitian show, craft and art booths, lomi lomi massages and yummy food vendors throughout the day. Bring the family and have fun at this popular Waikiki event. A double-hulled canoe will taxi guests across the Ala Wai canal (free of charge) until noon.

Waikiki Community Center is proud to announce that WCC Ala Wai Challenge received Hawaii Tourism Authority “2008 Keep It Hawaii” Lehua Maka Noe Award for perpetuating the Hawaiian Culture through this annual event.

2009 Ala Wai Sponsors: Title Sponsor: Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. Contributing: HMSA, HMAA, Pankow Companies, Hormel Foods and Hawaii Tourism Authority.

For more information call 923-1802 and ask for Jeff at ext. 109 or for craft booth information contact Denice at ext. 108. Visit our website for more info!

23rd Annual Ala Wai Challenge, January 27, 2008.

The Ala Wai Canal once again hosted Waikiki Community Center's Ala Wai Challenge on Sunday, January 27, 2008. The 23rd Annual Ala Wai Challenge is sponsored by Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort with festivities and blessing starting at 8:00 a.m.

The exciting canoe races and Hawaiian Makahiki games were a big hit throughout the day.

The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort is this year’s presenting sponsor, supporting the community and WCC with their sponsorship and community involvement. Parking is free at Tokai University or along Kapi'olani Blvd. Be there early to view a beautifully floral decorated double-hulled canoe procession, listen to the melodies of the Royal Hawaiian Band, and participate in the Oli (chant) by the students from Kamehameha Schools Performing Arts.

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With help from brother Nappy Napolean and his Anuenue crew, free canoe shuttles from Ala Wai Blvd. at Olohana Street across the canal to the event site will be provided once again.

Delicious food, Jamba Juice smoothies, lomi lomi practitioners, Hawaiian crafts and other non-profit education information booths will be available, including a variety of Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment. Tahitian and Hawaiian music entertained the crowds and jam to their favorite tunes, sharing their talent with the crowd.

For your team of twelve - 6 for canoe paddeling and 6 for the Makahiki Land Games and join this fun event. Cost is $420 per team and includes all equipment, event team shirts, lunch, snacks and awards. Lots of fun and great company/team event. Call (808) 923 1802 to register your team today!

This year our honorees are: Anona Napoleon and Babe Bell, two water sports legends and long time members of the canoe paddling ohana.

Crafters and Artists: Contact Denice or Jeff for booth fees. $60 if you provide your own tent, $165 and we'll set up your 10'x10' tent, table and 2 chairs. Call (808) 923-1802 or email denice@waikikicommunitycenter.org for further info.