Maui Paddlers Retain Titles at 7th Annual OluKai Hoʻolauleʻa

KAHULUI, Maui - Maui turned it on on Saturday for day two of the 7th annual OluKai Hoʻolauleʻa three-day ocean festival with locals Connor Baxter (Starboard) and Andrea Moller (SIC MAUI) retaining their titles to take home the gender equal prize purse of $15,000.

The prestigious eight-mile Stand Up Paddle (SUP) race saw almost 350 of the world’s elite paddlers battle it out on the famous Maliko Downwind Run on Maui’s North Shore. The conditions were described as ‘epic’ with consistent 20 knot east-northeast winds and waist high swell that produced the fastest time on record in the event’s seven year history. The 20 year-old Baxter clocked an impressive 44:25 with a 5:34 mile average for his fourth consecutive win of the OluKai Hoʻolauleʻa Elite Men’s SUP division.

Perfect conditions were on hand for this year's Olukai Ho'olaule'a. | Photos: Mark Kushimi

Best way to cross the finish line? We think so...| Photo: Spencer Sheehan

“The conditions were nothing short of epic, with perfect wind direction, good speed and big swells. This meant it was an even playing field out there forcing me to work extra hard,” Baxter said. “Nothing beats racing at home. I get to sleep in my own bed and I have the support of my family and friends around me. It’s an honor to represent Maui and be part of this awesome weekend that shares the aloha of Hawaii.”

Andrea Moller (far right) won the event this year for the 7th consecutive time. | Photo: Spencer Sheehan

The Brazil born and raised Maui resident, Andrea Moller, took out her seventh consecutive win with a time of 53:19 and 6:40 mile average, however said the title was still as rewarding as the first time. “OluKai Hoʻolauleʻa started off as a local SUP race and today it’s internationally recognized as one of the premier downwind races in the world, making the competition a lot tougher. It has been an honor to be part of this race from the very beginning and be part of its exciting growth,” Moller said.

Competitors represented Hawaii, the Mainland U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Israel, Puerto Rico, French Polynesia and the Virgin Islands. 

The day kicked off with the three mile ‘Ohana Fun Paddle prior to the elite SUP race. The atmosphere of celebration was alive at the finish line with traditional Hawaiian games, a luau and live music by popular Maui band, Nuff Said.

The fun race was definitely one of the highlights of the weekend. | Photos: Erik Aeder

For more information visit www.olukai.com/hoolaulea

2015 OluKai Ho’olaule’a SUP Race Results

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Elite Men

Place/Name/From/Time/Pace/Mile
1 Connor Baxter Maui, Hawaii 44:25 5:34
2 Travis Grant Australia 46:27 5:49
3 David Kalama Maui, Hawaii 47:15 5:55
4 Danny Ching Hermosa Beach, CA 47:25 5:56
5 Georges Cronsteadt Tahiti 47:34 5:57
6 Livio Menelau Maui, Hawaii 47:37 5:58


Elite Women

Place/Name/From/Time/Pace/Mile
1 Andrea Moller Maui, Hawaii 53:19 6:40
2 Sonni Hönscheid Germany 55:37 6:58
3 Kathy Shipman Maui, Hawaii 55:56 7:00
4 Devin Blish Maui, Hawaii 56:26 7:04
5 Terrene Black Australia 57:23 7:11
6 Fiona Wylde Good River, Oregon 1:00:13 7:32

See the full list of results below. 

About OluKai:

OluKai is a luxury lifestyle brand that believes everyone, no matter where they are, can live Aloha. OluKai’s Anywhere Aloha™ Campaign proves that though Aloha was born in Hawaii, it is a spirit not bound by geography. Aloha is one way to unlock its spirit in all of us. Each pair of OluKai footwear features beautiful, quality materials and handcrafted details inspired by island culture. The company is committed to building a unique and better class of products that blend ocean heritage with modern performance while leaving the smallest footprint possible on the planet. In every facet of its business, the brand is committed to respecting the people and the environments it touches. Inspired by the strong tradition of giving an offering or tribute in Polynesian culture, OluKai established the ‘Ohana Giveback Program to support the efforts of those who continue to give back to preserve local cultures and traditions. For more information visit www.olukai.com.

Full Results