OluKai x Hōkūleʻa 50th Anniversary

The partnership

It's challenging to summarize the cultural significance of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, and that's why this project exists. OluKai has been the official footwear of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and its flagship voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa, for 14 years. Hōkūleʻa turned 50 in 2025, and we felt a duty to show the world how significant this vessel is to preserving Polynesian culture and wayfinding. Colin, being a live-aboard sailor, was based in Indonesia when we contacted him, so getting to Hawaii took 3 days and 5 flights. He was not familiar with the PVS, so I had to convince him that the project would be worth it, and it ended up being a life-changing experience for him, lucky for me.

My role

I partnered with Colin MacRae from Below Deck, who has the largest following of any sailing creator, to tell the story of PVS, and activated on-site at the 50th birthday celebration and gala with tents, branding, and ambassadors.

Results

• 350K views, 1,200 comments, and 300 shares across channels
• 9:1 ROI on spend
• Colin doubled his contracted deliverables because the experience was so meaningful