Weekend Scene

ROCK 'N' ROW
It's a day of fun and games at the
17th Annual Ala Wai Challenge

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Challenge event chair Duke Bainum, left, and master canoe builder Wright Bowman released colored pigeons to start yesterday's event, held at Ala Wai Community and Neighborhood Park. Bowman and the late Myron B. "Pinky" Thompson were honored at the event for their roles in perpetuating traditions of the Hawaiian canoe.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM One of the centerpieces of the 17th Annual Ala Wai Challenge, a benefit for the Waikiki Community Center, was a series of outrigger canoe races. Many teams competed in the quarter-mile races, held along the Ala Wai Canal. According to the center, the races and other games were meant to promote teamwork and friendship within the local community.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Among those attending yesterday's festivities was Kamohaiki Krainer, shown here standing next to the heavily tattooed leg of his grandfather, Chief Miko.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Several ancient Hawaiian games were featured as part of the Ala Wai Challenge. Above, HMSA team member Jonathan Tanji participated in the o 'o ihe, or spear-throwing, event.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM At left, the Challenge's opening ceremony featured a performance of the traditional Hawaiian oli by Liko Wellbrock (standing) and Maile Nagao.