Pop/rock/reggae band Natural Vibrations stirs it up for ocean awareness on May 17 at Kapi'olani Park Bandstand. - Photo: Courtesy of Natural Vibrations

By Sterling Wong / Special to Ka Wai Ola

Now in its 10th year, the E Mālama i ke Kai Ocean Awareness Festival continues to expand, as its organizers pursue new and fun ways to connect Hawaiÿi's residents, particularly keiki, with the ocean and Hawaiian culture.

This year's festival, which is scheduled for May 17 at Kapiÿolani Park Bandstand, will be packed with a wide assortment of activities ranging from live performances by some of the best in island music, including Natural Vibrations, to keiki rides and games, to a swim and surf clinic taught by professional surfers and lifeguards.

Every year, the parent group of Pūnana Leo o Kawaiahaÿo preschool organizes the festival, with kōkua from the community. Chevron is once again the title sponsor for the festival. The event aims to educate the community about the need to protect and conserve Hawaiÿi's fragile ocean resources. The festival marks the culmination of the yearlong E Mālama i ke Kai Campaign, which included a paddling race, and cleanup days at Oneÿula Beach and Heÿeia Fishpond.

“With this event and the entire E Mālama i ke Kai campaign, we're trying to remind people that it's our kuleana to take care of the ocean so our keiki and future generations can continue to enjoy it,” said Brandon Wong, president of Hui Mākua o Kawaiahaÿo. “At the same time, we want to let people know that caring for the ocean can be a lot of fun, and something you can do with your ÿohana.”

Proceeds from the festival benefit Pūnana Leo o Kawaiahaÿo, one of eleven ÿAha Pūnana Leo preschools in the state. Located on the grounds of the historic Kawaiahaÿo Church in Honolulu, the preschool opened its doors in 1995. As a Hawaiian language immersion preschool dedicated to preserving the native language of Hawaiÿi, Pūnana Leo o Kawaiahaÿo preschool's entire curriculum is conducted in Hawaiian, and the school currently serves 16 students.

As always, one of the highlights of the event will be the live performances at the bandstand. This year's performers include: Natural Vibrations, Kāwika Trask, Kupaoa, Nā ÿIwaÿiwa, ÿAi Pōhaku, Nā Pua Lei o Liko Lehua and the keiki and kumu of Pūnana Leo o Kawaiahaÿo.

Mālama i ke kai in action. - Photo: Sterling Wong

In addition, the festival is unveiling a new activity this year: a surf and swim clinic organized by professional longboard surfer and Pūnana Leo o Kawaiahaÿo parent Duane Desoto and his nonprofit group Nā Kama Kai. The clinic will be run by local surfers Bonga Perkins, Desire DeSoto, Kainoa McGee, Johnny Boy Gomes, Kekoa Uemura, Ned Snow, Bobby and Tiare Freidman, Kamu Auwae, Robin Johnston and Tom Pōhaku Stone. The clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kaimana Beach. Each session will run about one hour, and pre-registration through emalamaikekai.org is recommended, as limited same-day registrations will be taken.

The festival will also feature children's games and free access to inflatable keiki rides, ocean conservation exhibits, crafts, food, a silent auction, Hawaiian cultural presentations and a moÿolelo, or talk story, session about the Waikīkī area.

This event was made possible by the generous contributions of the following sponsors: Chevron, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, Mobi PCS and First Hawaiian Bank.

Editor's note: Sterling Wong is a former publications editor of Ka Wai Ola o OHA and a proud parent of a Pūnana Leo o Kawaiahaÿo student.