MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to blend the Spirit of Aloha with the Passion for Sport. We strive to create a unique opportunity for collegiate sport teams to compete in the world class travel destination of Honolulu, Hawaii by providing all teams, fans and families with an affordable, convenient, and above all, unforgettable Hawaiian experience.

HISTORY:
In 2002, Marissa Maaske and Gene Steinmeyer held the first event – “The Hoop N Surf Classic” for five NCAA II women’s basketball teams. The goal was to provide NCAA II women’s college teams with a venue in which to play competitive basketball in addition to enjoying all Hawaii has to offer. The company soon expanded within the women’s ranks to include an NCAA III/NAIA basketball event bearing the same name.

After a request from Head Men’s Coach Bob Chipman of Washburn University, the company added a Men’s NCAA II Hoop N Surf in 2004.  The growth continued in 2005 as an NCAA III/NAIA men’s classic was also included.

The company started as Hoop N Surf in 2002 but incorporated under the Hawaiian name Malika Sports, LLC in 2004. Hoop N Surf still exists, bringing Jr. College, NAIA, NCAA II and III women’s and men’s basketball tournaments to Oahu for November and December classics. The inaugural Oahu Classic will take place in November 2007 and will feature eight top NCAA I women’s basketball programs competing in tournament play.

To date, over 120 schools have competed in events hosted by Malika Sports. Three women’s teams used the Hoop N Surf Classic as a springboard to the national championship in their respective divisions the same year.

2004 Morningside College (NAIA DI)
2005 Washburn University (NCAA DII)
2006 Grand Valley State (NCAA DII)

FUTURE:
An NCAA I Men’s basketball tournament is planned for November 2008. The groundwork is also being laid for Malika Sports to hold events involving other sports such as softball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, golf and tennis.

PARTNERSHIPS:
Over the years Malika Sports has developed good partnerships in the local community. Ka’ala Shea and his family-owned travel business, Aloha Vacations, has become an invaluable asset to Malika Sports and all participating teams. Aloha Vacations handles all lodging, transportation and tourist activities.

Malika Sports events would not take place if not for the generosity of local high schools and the city and county of Honolulu park districts. Kilauea District Park, Manoa District Park, Kaiser High School and McKinley High School have all played host to mainland and local colleges for practices and games.

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) has teamed up with Malika Sports as a host school thus allowing NCAA D II teams to use games in paradise as exempt events. Malika Sports works to bring HPU more visibility as well as on-island competition and fundraising opportunities.

In the future, Malika Sports hopes to play more of a significant role in the local community to promote the health benefits of a sporting lifestyle as well as inspiring young athletes to strive to compete at the collegiate level.