August 23-29, 2009- Top athletes vie in a series of week-long events at the 8th Annual Duke’s OceanFest, Waikiki’s premier ocean sports festival, August 23-29.
More than a dozen exciting competitions, plus an opening ceremony and lu‘au, are all part of the event that pays tribute to the legendary Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (1890-1968). Revered as the “Father of International Surfing” and an Olympic swimming champion, Duke honed his skills in the very place where the OceanFest is held. Funds raised from the event benefit Hawai‘i’s student athletes.

The annual Toes on the Nose Rabbit Kekai Longboard Classic has been our tribute to one of the true Kings of Surfing. After a long successful run Rabbit's contest will be coming home to Waikiki. This year’s event will be held in conjunction with the celebration of his mentor and surfing buddy’s Duke Kahanamoko’s Ocean Fest /birthday. The Toes on the Nose Rabbit Kekai Hawaiian Longboard Classic will run August 26-29th.

“The entire week is a blast,” says Jim Fulton, chairman of Duke’s OceanFest. “Duke’s OceanFest is Waikiki Beach at its best and a fantastic way to finish the summer.” Most competitions are all day; visit dukefoundation.org for event updates.

DUKE'S OCEANFEST HIGHLIGHTS:

• AUGUST 23:
  Ho‘omana Ceremony- Duke’s OceanFest opens at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa.
  
• AUGUST 24:
  Duke Kahanamoku Sunrise Blessing- Duke’s 119th birthday is honored with a traditional blessing at his statue.
  
• AUGUST 26-29:
  Hawaiian Airlines Duke’s Legends Surf Classic- Amateurs surf with the legends of the sport in this “pro” surf meet.
  Toes on the Nose Rabbit Kekai Pro Longboard Surfing Contest- One of Duke’s bestfriends brings this international competition home.*
  Gidget Worldwide Women’s Pro Longboard Contest- The world’s best women longboarders compete at Queen’s Surf.*
  Corona Expression Session- Surfers show their magic.
  C4 Waterman/HonoluA Surf Paddleboard Championship-“Duke’s Race” challenges paddle boarders in this sprint from Hawai‘i Kai to Duke’s statue.
  C4 Waterman/HonoluA Surf Stand-Up Beach Boy- Stand-up paddle surfing at Queen’s Surf.
  Duke’s Waikiki Ocean Mile Swim- This open ocean sprint along Waikiki Beach attracts hundreds of swimmers.
  Corona Beach Volleyball Classic- Four-person teams compete on Kuhio Beach in this day-long tournament.
  Surf Polo Tournament- Six-person teams play water polo—on surfboards.
  Beach Boys Celebration at Duke’s Waikiki- Waikiki’s famed beach boys and old friends of Duke gather to swap stories and memories at Duke’s Waikiki restaurant.
  
• AUGUST 29:
  Lei Draping of Duke’s Statue- A sidewalk surfboard parade leads to the decorating of Duke’s Statue with beautiful fresh flower lei.
  The Great Hawaiian 105 KINE Luau- Great times, great food and the music of Hawai‘i.

* Events not confirmed as of press time.