1st Duke's OceanFest (2002)

Information about the inaugural edition of the Duke's Oceanfest water sports festival held in 2002 in the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu

The duke's OceanFest water sports festival began as a one-day celebration on August 24, 2002 to welcome the issuance of a 37 cent commemorative stamp of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku by the U.S. Postal Service.

EDITION: Inaugural Duke's OceanFest
DATE: August 17-24, 2002

On August 24, 2002 the U.S. Post Office issued a 37-cent stamp honoring Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation teamed up with the United States Postal Service and The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association to make this "First Day of Issue" a celebration of Aloha and a milestone in Hawai`i's history.

Events and Activities

EVENT: Duke Statue Lei Draping Ceremony 2002
DATE: August 23, 2002

EVENT: Waterman Challenge 2002
DATE: August 24, 2002 / 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: canoe races, tug of war competition and surfing contest

EVENT: Duke Ocean Mile Swim 2002
DATE: August 24, 2002 / 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.

EVENT: Memories with the"The Duke" Classic Hawaiian Lu`au
PRESENTED BY: Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association
VENUE: Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort - Lagoon Green
LOCATION: Waikiki, Honolulu, South Oahu Island, Hawaii

ENTERTAINERS:
- Don Ho
- Myrtle K. Hilo
- Mahi Beamer
- Melveen Leed
- Nina Kealiiwahamana
- Reign
- Les Ceballos
- Aaron Sala
EMCEES:
- Kimo Kahoano
- Cha Thompson
RESOURCES:
- NaHHA Luau 2002 Luau Brochure
- American Philatelist 2002 Duke Stamp Article

Timeline

DATE: August 17-18, 2002
EVENT: Sunset on the Beach "This Is Your Life" Film
DESCRIPTION: The vintage Ralph Edwards' episode of "This is Your Life Duke Kahanamoku" was shown at august 17-18, 2002 "Sunset on the Beach"

DATE: August 23, 2002
EVENT: Duke Statue Dressing
DESCRIPTION: The Duke statue in Waikiki was dressed in lei to honor him.

DATE: August 23, 2002
EVENT: Old Timers Beach Boy celebration
VENUE: Duke's Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: The Hoohanohano Na Kanaka O Ke Kai (to honor the men of the sea) Old Timers Beach Boy celebration was held at Duke's Restaurant in Waikiki. It was a gathering of Duke's friends from the past.

DATE: August 24, 2002
EVENT: USPO released Duke Kahanamoku Postage Stamp
This was the official "First Day Of Issue" of the commemorative Duke Kahanamoku stamp. The U.S. Postal Service sold and cancelled the stamps in the Tropics Showroom at the the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa. In the same room there were displays of Olympic memorabilia along with the Legacy Project, which is the history of swimming in Hawaii plus other relative displays and presentations.

DATE: August 24, 2002
EVENT: Day of the Hoolaulea
TIMELINE: /p>

10 a.m. - 12:00 noon
"First Day Of Issue" stamps are on sale and cancellations are being done in the Tropics Showroom.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Beach activities including keiki hula performances.

12:00 Noon:
The Hawai`i Loa leaves Honolulu Harbor with dignitaries and the concealed image of the Duke Kahanamoku stamp on board.

12:30 p.m.
The ceremony emcee will describe to the waiting public what they are about to witness.

1:30 p.m.
- The Hawai`i Loa arrived at Duke Kakanamoku Beach accompanied by the Makali`i and a flotilla of approximately 112 surfers and canoes to honor the 112th anniversary of Duke's birth. As they all come through the channel pü (conch shell blowing) announces their arrival.
- Pü (onshore) responds, acknowledges their arrival; call out 4 times (to the North, South, East, and West) signifying the gathering of all powers.
- Upon completion of the (shore) pü, the pü (aboard the Hawai`i Loa) returns with one long blow signifying acceptance and appreciation.
- Vessels anchor inside Kälia Bay

1:45 p.m.
"Ceremony begins with kähea (chant to call) on the Hawai`i Loa, asking permission to start the ceremony and to come ashore upon completion.
Chanter onshore responds, giving permission.

2:00 p.m. The official unveiling of the stamp
- Up to this point, the oversized stamp is covered in kapa. Following this, the pü announces the unveiling.
- All canoe paddlers and surfers in unison will pa`ipa`i (gently tapping of the waters with their paddles/hands) signifying lokahi.
- Senator Daniel Akaka, Robert Rider of U.S. Postal Service, a member of Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, and a member of the Kahanamoku family disembark the Hawai`i Loa and board assigned canoes, taking them to shore.
- Stamp image is transferred to the koa canoe, Komokila, accompanied by veteran surfers.
- Onshore, awaiting the arrival of the commemorative stamp image will be the Kamehameha Schools Concert Glee Club and other special guests.
- Upon arriving onshore a chant will challenge the arrival of of the commemorative stamp image. At this point the Ali`i Nui, Herman Kanae, touches the stamp.
- Veteran surfers and beach boys accompany the image of the commemorative stamp. The Royal Order of Kamehameha I proceeds to the stage (set up on the beach). A special kahiko is performed by the Kamehameha Schools Concert Glee Club.
- United States Postal Service/Duke Paoha Kahanamoku Official Dedication of the Commemorative Stamp.

2:15 p.m.
Appointed emcee introduces dignitaries and family members. Ceremony continues with U.S. Postal Service formalities and remarks by Senator Akaka. Kamaka Clark Miyamoto, Minister Ralph Aona, Robert Rider, Wilmer Morris, and Congressman Neil Abercrombie.

2:45 p.m.
Formal ceremony ends. FDOI sale of the stamp and cancellation continues at the Tropics Showroom, Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. Autograph session nest to stage on the beach.

3:00-5:30 p.m.
"The Annual Waterman Challenge" (canoe races, Tug of War competition and Surfing contest) plus the Duke Ocean Mile swim.

6 p.m.:
Memories with the"The Duke" Classic Hawaiian Lu`au begins on the Lagoon Green at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. Presented by the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHa.com).