Dive Into Hawaii Ocean Expo Fun
By Jason Kawakami
President of Tantriq Entertainment
For seven years, my partners and I have had the time of or lives producing Hawaii Ocean Expo at Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, a 100-percent family-friendly event celebrating “all things ocean.”
On April 11 and 12, more than 15,000 ocean enthusiasts will visit the expo, which offers something for everyone of all ages.
Participating exhibitors and vendors will highlight ocean-related activities, such as fishing, diving, swimming, paddling, surfing, boating, kayaking and delicious seafood.
Local businesses make up 90 percent of the vendors featured at Hawaii Ocean Expo 2015, giving Hawaii’s ocean-related businesses much-needed exposure.
The fun will be continuous with live demonstrations and entertainment at center stage, including Stan and Chris Wright fly-fishing, gyotaku fish-printing, tandem surfing, and fish cutting/cleaning/cooking demonstrations, an ocean video showcase and live musical entertainment by some of Hawaii’s top talents.
We realize that our ocean waters provide a lifeline to our island lifestyle, and in the spirit of giving back this year, we have partnered with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and Aloha United Way’s Society of Young Leaders for a beach cleanup Saturday (April 11).
At the expo, the public also may sell used surfboards at our Surfboard Graveyard. Money raised at our Surfboard Graveyard will benefit Mauli Ola Foundation, which is dedicated to providing hope and confidence to individuals living with genetic diseases.
We also are honored to be the host venue for the Kanaka I Kai Ka State Championships canoe-paddling awards ceremony.
Mahalo to my partners Russ Inouye from Vertical Junkies, Jason Ignacio and Jay Park for all of your hard work in putting together Hawaii Expo 2015 for everyone to enjoy.
Hope to see you there!
For more information, visit hawaiioceanexpo.com.
