MEDIA RELEASE

Olamau Race is the Ultimate Unlimited Outrigger Canoe Challenge in Hawaii. It is a 100 mile race that will take place over three consecutive days, June 12-14.

Prizes will be awarded for each leg of the race as well as for overall race performance. There are no length, weight or design restrictions on the canoes. No sails or any other artificial means of propulsion are allowed. Canoes must have an ama and only outrigger paddle blades are permitted; no kayak or double bladed paddles are allowed. Each team may consist of a maximum of 12 paddlers, with only 6 iron paddlers participating in each stage of the race.

The first day will start at Laupahoehoe peninsula and end at Keokea, approximately 38 miles. The second day will start at Keokea and end at Kawaihae harbor, approximately 27 miles. The final day of the event will consist of two iron stages allowing all 12 paddlers to participate.

The first stage of the final day will start at Kawaihae harbor and finish within Uluweuweu bay at Kukio resort, approximately 18 miles. The second stage will allow all 6 paddlers to change out, permitting the final 6 paddlers and the entirety of the team to participate in the Final day. The final stage starts at Uluweuweu bay and ends at Kamakahonu, approximately 18 miles.

To be eligible for the prize money, all crews must participate and finish all three days of paddling. However, to increase participation in the Olamau experience.

The Final day, both stages are open to all participants. There will be various categories awarded for each division.

Race Schedule

Wednesday, June 12

Laupahoehoe Beach/Point County Park

* 5 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Breakfast for paddlers, coaches, escort boat, and Olamau personnel.

* 7 a.m.: Paddlers and escort boats should be present in Laupahoehoe area.

* 7:30 a.m.: Pule, Canoes in the water

* 8 a.m.: Race Starts – Laupahoehoe Point to Keokea Beach Park

* 11 a.m.: Lunch at Keokea Beach Park for all participants, coaches, escort boat personnel, and Olamau race personnel

* Rest, Relax, Rehydrate, Replenish!

Thursday, June 13

Keokea Beach Park

* 5 – 9 a.m.: Breakfast for paddlers, coaches, escort boat personnel, and Olamau race personnel

* 8 a.m.: All paddlers and escort boats should be present in Keokea Beach Park area. Make sure everyone plans ahead; people and personnel are on Escort boats prior to 8:30. Load escort boats in Kawaihae or Mahukona; please keep in mind while loading, escort boats should arrive in Keokea prior to 8:30 to meet your canoe. Keokea can get rough and we DO NOT recommend loading and unloading in this area.

* 8:30 a.m.: Pule, Canoes in water

* 9 a.m.: Race Starts. Keokea Beach Park to Kawaihae Harbor. Canoes to surf park area.

* 11:30 a.m.: Lunch at Kawaihae for participants, coaches, escort boat personnel, and Olamau race personnel by surf park area.

* Rest, Relax, Rehydrate, Replenish!

Friday, June 14

Kawaihae Harbor

* 5 – 8 a.m.: Breakfast for all paddlers, coaches, escort boat personnel, and Olamau race personnel

* 7 a.m.: First 6 paddlers should be present in Kawaihae surf Park area, along with escort boats if present in Kawaihae Harbor/surf park area.

* 7:30 a.m.: Pule, Canoe in water

* 8 a.m.: Race starts, Kawaihae Harbor to Uluweuweu bay, Kukio Resort

* Escort boats, support vessels, may follow race. Please do not enter Uluweuweu Bay by Kukio Resort (view map). Entry could result in a disqualification.

* 9:30 – 1:30: Kukio. Lunch and refreshments for participants and Olamau race personnel.

* 10 a.m.: Crews deciding to change out paddlers should all be present at Kikaua Point Park at Kukio Resort in the staging area, awaiting their canoes’ arrival.

* Official starter boat and PA system will notify paddlers onshore to their teams’ arrival. This is the only time a paddler can be changed during Olamau race.

* Paddlers coming off canoe will come ashore to rest, relax, rehydrate, and replenish.

* Escort boats and support vessels can re-engage with their canoe outside of Kikaua point heading south

* Final Leg From Kukio to Kamakahonu Beach

* Everyone head to finish line at Kailua Kona Pier/Kamakahonu Beach

* Rest, Relax, Rehydrate, Replenish!

* 6 – 10 p.m.: Awards ceremony at Mariott’s Hotel King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Please wear official Olamau race bands for entrance and Luau. All participants, coaches, escort boat personnel, Olamau race personnel, and ticket holders are welcome.

— Find out more:
www.olamaurace.com