When the Waikiki Community Center needed a new fundraising event in 1985, they turned to the Waikiki Jaycees and now-defunct automobile dealership Aloha Motors.

The result was the first Ala Wai Challenge, an all-day community event that brought together local residents and tourists from Waikiki with Hawaiian cultural activities and outrigger canoe races. Now in its 25th year, the event continues to showcase our islands' culture while also generating funds for the local nonprofit organization.

“;This is our one big event ... but I wish it could happen more often,”; said center community relations director Jeff Apaka. “;It's become one of the largest Hawaiian sporting events in Waikiki's Ala Wai Canal.”;

When Apaka got involved with planning the Ala Wai Challenge 17 years ago, organizations from around the world were invited to send a team to participate in the regatta portion of the event. Over the years that followed, however, he narrowed down the field of invited teams to only include Hawaii-based crews.

In a sign of respect, this year's event will once again honor two living legends from Hawaii's ocean community: Na Wahine o ke Kai co-founder Hannie Anderson and master canoe builder and restorer Tay Perry. They will be recognized during the day's opening ceremonies at 8 a.m.

For those not involved in the regatta but want to get a taste of what it's like to ride in an outrigger canoe, Anuenue Canoe Club will return to host a “;Canoe Taxi Service”; and provide transportation across the Ala Wai from a pickup/drop-off point at Ala Wai Boulevard and Olohana Street.

“;I wouldn't want to see it as an ongoing business, but for this particular event, and with a Hawaiian canoe club putting it together and bringing people across, it's OK by me,”; Apaka said. “;Being on a double-hulled canoe is a wonderful way to present this event to visitors who may be experiencing it for the first time.

“;It's kind of a thrill for the visitors and their cameras, to come onto the Ala Wai Challenge site and to hear all the music and see all the Hawaiian games and crafts.”;

Along with entertainment by Weldon Kekauoha, Halau o Nawahina, Manoa Madness, Shining Star and Ia Ora o Tahiti Nui, guests can take part in a number of native Hawaiian games typically played during the makahiki season. Among the featured games are 'ulu maika (stone bowling), o'o ihe (spear throwing), moa pahe'e (dart sliding), pohaku ho'oikaika (stone throwing) and huki kaula (tug of war).

“;We are so happy that the Ala Wai Neighborhood Park and Playground has been our home for such a long time,”; said Apaka. “;We are also pleased that Hawaiian Electric Co. has sponsored this event—their generosity is something we're extremely thankful for during this time of recession we're going through.”;