KOHALA COAST, Hawaii: Hawaii’s popular health, fitness and outdoor lifestyle resort, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, is teaming up with local stand up paddle board and ocean sports company, Hulakai, to present the first-ever Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Race For Fitness on Saturday, September 24, 2011 on Hawaii Island’s spectacular Kohala Coast.

The race, which will be part of an ongoing paddling series, is set to become one of Hawaii’s biggest SUP events for all ages and levels. SUP Race for Fitness is about celebrating the heritage of SUP in Hawaii and its evolution as one of the fastest growing water sports and fitness workouts in the world.

One and two person outrigger canoe paddlers are also invited to participate.

The seven mile race will start from either Kiholo Bay or Kawaihae Harbor depending on the wind direction come race morning. The direction will be announced at a pre-race briefing held at Hulakai’s flagship store.

The finish line will be on the shores of Mauna Lani Bay where the after-race celebration and awards ceremony will also be held.

General Manager of Mauna Lani Bay, Brian Butterworth said that “SUP Race for Fitness is an opportunity to bring together Hawaii’s many paddling enthusiasts for a fun, social event and for visitors to the island to enjoy the pristine beauty of the Kohala Coast from a different perspective. It’s about getting outside, being active and embracing Hawaii’s ocean lifestyle,” he said.

Prizes will be awarded for the top three finishers along with category winners. Each participant will have their race time recorded.

To enter the first-ever SUP For Fitness and for further information, contact 808-887-1091 or visit www.hulakai.com

WHAT: The inaugural Stand Up Paddle Race For Fitness

WHEN: Saturday, September 24, 2011. Participant briefing at 7:30am. Race at 10am.

WHERE: Kohala Coast, Hawaii Island.

Meet at Hulakai flagship store. The Shops at Mauna Lani. 68-1300 Mauna Lani Drive.

COST: $15

BRING: Your own board or outrigger canoe and paddle.

AWARDS: Held at The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive. Complimentary parking.

ENTRY & FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact 808-887-1091 or visit www.hulakai.com

SOURCE: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows