A heihei wa'a (canoe regatta) from Maunalua Bay to Kaimana Beach Park at 9 this morning will kick off the 12th annual E Malama I Ke Kai (Cherish the Ocean) Ocean Awareness Festival.

Family activities, 'ono food, a silent auction and entertainment featuring Holunape and Paula Fuga take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Kapi'olani Park bandstand.

There's a free surf clinic, too.

The free event, organized by Hui Makua o Kawaiaha'o, is a benefit for Hawaiian-language immersion preschools, including Punana Leo o Kawaiaha'o.