(Photo courtesy of Kai Opua Canoe Club)

MEDIA RELEASEW

The Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce presented its prestigious Visitor Industry Marketing Award to the Kai Opua Canoe Club at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon on Friday, June 29.

The Kona Kohala Chamber’s Visitor Industry Marketing Award recognized Kai Opua for its commitment to the sport of Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing and for the cultural aspects of the world’s largest long distance canoe race that attracts thousands of visitors and residents to Historic Kailua Village during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Since 1979, the Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce has recognized West Hawaii visitor industry leaders for their promotional efforts of Hawaii’s leading industry.

The Chamber’s Visitor Industry Marketing Award acknowledged Kai Opua Canoe Club for its successful marketing efforts in attracting national and international visitors while providing a viable connection to Hawaii’s storied history and culture.

“We are so honored to accept this prestigious Marketing Award from the Chamber. Each year, the Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Race celebrates the Hawaiian spirit of outrigger canoe racing that translates to thousands of paddlers and their families coming to Kona for a weekend of ocean fun and Hawaiian culture,” club president Bo Campos said. “We are thankful for our ohana of volunteers and sponsors that believe in and support this iconic event.”

The 41st annual Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Races begin this year on Saturday, Sept. 1 and continues through Monday, Sept. 3.

The Labor Day Weekend races draw more than 2,500 competitors from around the world to race the 18-mile open ocean course.

The 2012 Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Races are sponsored in part by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of Hawaii, Queen K Tesoro, Steinlager, OluKai, Ocean Paddler Television, Courtyard by Marriot King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Hulakai and numerous corporate and community donors.

For more race information, including a detailed slate of events, photos, history and contacts, visit: www.kaiopua.org