As a long-standing partner and official footwear of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association (HLA), OluKai unveiled its performance footwear collaboration with the members of the HLA; an 18-month endeavor now being realized. Next month, OluKai will outfit over 450 lifeguards with shoes and sandals at a special in-store presentation. A portion of proceeds of the thoughtfully constructed HLA footwear goes to support the Junior Lifeguards, an ongoing component to OluKais prolific Giveback Program.

On May 25, 2013, OluKai will donate over 1,350 pairs of shoes consisting of three new styles for spring; Kiai Trainer II, Kamiki and Kiai II to each of the lifeguards at a special in-store event at Island Sole on Oahu, Hawaii. OluKai mentor and member of the Hawaiian Waterman Hall of Fame, Archie Kalepa, and other lifeguards will host the event, giving consumers a chance to meet, greet and learn more about the lifeguard program. The Kiai Trainer, Kamiki and Kiai sandal are part of the lifeguards uniform, part of our tool chest, says Kalepa. These styles are also available to consumers nationwide as well as OluKai.com.

To retrieve their official HLA OluKai footwear, lifeguards on Oahu from District 1 (Ala Moana and Waikiki) and District 2 (Windward) will visit Island Sole in Kahala Mall between 10am to 5pm.

This unique partnership between OluKai and the HLA is one that starts with research and development. From the fit and overall performance to breathability and traction, the HLA take these shoes through real field research and after an arduous 18 months, were thrilled for this unveiling, says Kerry Konrady, director of marketing at OluKai. A portion of proceeds of the HLA product goes to support the future Kalepas; the Junior Lifeguard Program. Hawaiian lifeguarding is a proud and vital tradition, the highest standard to which guards in other coastal communities aspire. OluKai is humbled to play a significant role in nurturing that tradition through our ‘Ohana Giveback Program.”