The Ala Wai Challenge - 1/25/2009

According to an article in yesterday's Advertiser, "The Ala Wai Challenge, for 24 years a Waikiki Community Center benefit event, is more than an outrigger canoe race — it's a chance to experience Hawaiian makahiki games (stone bowling, spear throwing, dart sliding, stone throwing, tug of war), to learn about lomi lomi massage and la'au lapa'au (herbal medicine) and to consider ways of creating a more green and sustainable community. "

I was wandering around during the program and heard the announcer saying something like, "Wait, don't let the birds go yet . . . " I had to practically run to get this shot.

It seems that our mayor always takes the time to attend these kinds of functions.This is big-wave rider Clyde Aikau.

Master canoe builder Bobby Puakea.

Da Spot was the only food tent so there was pretty much a line the whole time. I got a Tomato Eggplant Basil Chicken before going home. It was good. The owners have a small hole-in-da-wall restaurant on Pumehana Street and I also see them at the KCC Open Market on Saturdays.

There were all kinds of vendors, but one of them said "NO PICTURES!" to me so I decided not to take any of the vendors. I did take shots of the Shave Ice/Cotton Candy booth though 'cause Erin said it was okay.

It was "A Perfect Day" for the race. Even though the sun was pretty much blazing, the cool breeze made for a very comfortable outing.

There was a canoe shuttle taking tourists back and forth across the canal.