NEWS

Engage and Experience the Legacy, Culture and Future of Hawaii Polo

The Hawaii International Polo Association (HIPA) is delighted to announce The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Hawaii Invitational of Polo (http://www.hawaiipololife.com/), is set to gallop into paradise September 14-17, 2017 at the Waimanalo Polo Fields, home of the Honolulu Polo Club in Waimanalo, Hawaii. The historic four-day Invitational is an unmatched sporting event for Hawaii, which celebrates a rich and revered history of the original paniolo culture dating back to the early 1880’s when polo was heralded as ‘The Sport of Kings’ under the reign of King Kalakaua. More than thirteen decades later, The 2017 Hawaii Invitational of Polo (HIoP) will compete at the highest level of the globally regarded sport by welcoming an all-pro, high-goal format set at 50 (25 goals per team).

Applauded as one of Hawaii’s most sophisticated annual sporting events, The Kahala Hotel & Resort Hawaii Invitational of Polo, Presented by Cartier will bring together the best of the best from the world’s polo associations, entertainment, fashion, gastronomy, spirits and much, much more. The Red Bull experience will host a post- player-party boasting high-energy entertainment, live music and dancing under the stars. For tickets, VIP packages and more information please visit: http://www.hawaiipololife.com/.

“I selected an all-pro format to clearly distinguish our event as a one-of-a-kind, best-of- the-best, polo event that showcases Hawaii as an elite polo destination. I am extremely proud of this event, and it clearly plants our flag on the international stage of polo. Just as the Sony Open has done for golf, and the Triple Crown has done for surfing. The Hawaii Invitational of Polo will honor Hawaii’s paniolo culture and preserve a polo legacy for generations to come,” says Chris Dawson, Founder and CEO of HIoP.

This world-class Invitational is the vision and passion of Christopher Dawson, Founder of the Hawaii International Polo Association (HIPA) and Hawaii Polo Life apparel brand (HPL). Dawson is a prominent native Hawaiian and business leader and an avid horseman and polo player who has served on the Board of the United States Polo Association for more than 10 years. While serving on the national board, he had a unique opportunity to participate in the marketing, branding, and merchandising of polo sport on a global scale while simultaneously bringing it to life here in Hawaii.

“This year, HIPA is honored to welcome The Kahala Hotel and Resort as Title Sponsor. The Kahala has a unique history in Hawaii Polo through the resort’s development partner, Charlie Pietsch, a local polo player who built his dream ranch on O’ahu’s North Shore, Sunset Ranch. This exciting partnership celebrates our mutual rich histories and contributions to community life in Hawaii, and we look forward to working closely together for many years to come,” said Chris Dawson. “The Kahala will host the visiting professional polo players, and offer an outstanding three-day experience for select VIP Guests and Clients. The Kahala will also provide travel packages for international polo aficionados who will be traveling to Hawaii to attend the Hawaii Invitational.” For more information and an up-to-date schedule of events visit www.hawaiipololife.com, "Like" them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram at @hawaiipololife #hiinvitationalofpolo.

Thursday - September 14, 2017

Red Carpet Media Event and Dinner

The Kahala Hotel & Resort: Waialae Ballroom

6:00pm–8:00pm

Select guests and sponsors will mix and mingle with professional polo players at Hawaii’s most prestigious hotel, The Kahala Hotel & Resort and enjoy libations from the resort’s top mixologist and perfect wine tastings chosen by the hotel’s sommelier. Guests will also dine on unique delicacies prepared by Executive Chef Wayne Hirabayashi. At 8:00pm HPL will announce the team selection at this guest-list only, red carpet media party.

TICKETS:
• $150

• Tickets available at http://www.hawaiipololife.com/

Friday - September 15, 2017
*MEDIA & INVITATION-ONLY EVENT*
Private Polo Practice + Media Meet and Greet

Mokuleia Polo Fields

3:00PM-6:00pm
This is a private, press only, meet and greet hosted by HIPA at the Mokuleia Polo Fields. Photographers will have an opportunity to photograph the practice, the horses and the players. There will be a private Q&A session after the game.

Saturday - September 16, 2017
FLAGSHIP ALL-PRO MATCH: Hawaii Invitational of Polo
Waimanalo Polo Fields
1:00pm-10:00pm
11:00am – Gates Open
3:00pm – 6:00pm Main Event
6:30pm – 10:00pm Concert and After Party
Watch this high-octane match from the comfort of your private cabana, hospitality tent, or under the shade of a branded umbrella. Enjoy a day on the polo field dressed in your best country couture. Join emcees, Mahealani Richardson and Kaiki Ragragola at what has been described as, “The Most Exciting Polo in Hawaii.”

TICKETS:
General Admission Lauhala Lawn: $25
General Admission: $50
Hospitality Field Cabanas: available upon request
Tickets available at http://www.hawaiipololife.com/

Sunday - September 17, 2017

Polo Awards Ceremony Brunch
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
10:30am – 2:00pm 

Celebrate our famous players one last time as they are recognized at our Awards Brunch. Meet the MVP player, learn about our MVP pony, view the latest video of the preceding days’ action, produced in partnership with Horse Play Productions.

TICKETS: 

• $100 

• Tickets available at http://www.hawaiipololife.com/

“The Hawaii Invitational of Polo Premier Package at the Kahala”
4-Night VIP Package: September 13-17, 2017
Toll Free (US & Canada): 1 (844) 508.6720
Hawaii: +1 (808) 739.8888
reservations@kahalaresort.com
• One Bedroom Suite or run of Ocean accommodations (4 rate packages)
• Opening Press-VIP reception 9/14 (Kahala) 

• Hi Polo Invitational match: 9/16 (Waimanalo) 

• Post VIP Awards Brunch (Kahala) 

• Transfers to and from Waimanalo 

• Total F&B/Ticket price for inclusion: three events: welcome reception, event 
hospitality and awards brunch
-Ocean View - $3,600
-Oceanfront - $4,000
-Scenic View Suite - $5,200
-Oceanfront Suite - $6,000 


A Four-Day Invitational VIP Ticket Book (event only, no accommodations) available for $750 and includes:
• Access to the Thursday Welcome Dinner
• Access to the VIP HospitalityAccess to a VIP area during the Red Bull Experience, post-concert.