OceanFest, awards dinner revolve around Kahanamoku
The 12th annual Duke’s OceanFest highlights ocean sports that were close to legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku’s heart.
A series of events taking place in Waikiki from Aug. 17 to 25 includes longboard surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, tandem surfing, water polo, beach volleyball and stand-up paddling.
On land there will be sand soccer and sand volleyball competitions for both keiki and adults.
For nine days hundreds of athletes flock to Waikiki to compete in the water events to honor Kahanamoku, who was a surfer, Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer, esteemed canoe steersman and Hawaii’s ambassador of aloha.
The Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on Aug. 22 honors those who perpetuate Kahanamoku’s legacy. A sunrise birthday lei draping of the Duke Kahanamoku statue on Kalakaua Avenue is scheduled for 6:10 a.m. Aug. 24.
The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, whose board members are dedicated to serving Hawaii’s water sports community, organizes and sponsors the annual event.
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is also offering a special nightly rate of $139 for participants at the Ohana Waikiki East and Ohana Waikiki West hotels.
Visit dukesoceanfest.com to see the full schedule or sign up for an event, and www.fb.com/dukesoceanfest for updates.
Wahiawa’s pineapplefest serves up lots of food, fun
Wahiawa celebrates its agricultural heritage with the 11th annual Pineapple Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 17 at Wahiawa District Park.
The town parade starts an hour earlier, at 9 a.m., at Kaala Elementary School before winding its way up California Avenue to the park.
The family-friendly event, sponsored by the Wahiawa Historical Society, includes face painting, robotics, balloons, clowns, Xtreme Fun bouncers and rides, plus a craft fair featuring more than 60 vendors.
Listen to live jazz from 2 to 6 p.m.
Thai, Mexican and Korean food, along with cotton candy, hot dogs, Kettle Korn, smoothies and shave ice will be available for purchase.
Wahiawa General Hospital will also be on hand to offer free blood pressure tests, and Walgreens will offer flu shots.
A shuttle will pick up and drop off from parking areas at local churches and Leilehua High School. Visit www.wahiawapinefest.com or call 694-0103.
